Bird Ecology and Conservation A Handbook of Techniques

can greatly affect body size, and have even been found to vary between field work-
ers in the same project (Patton et al. 1991). When birds vary little in body-size,
harness loops can be a standard size. When species must be marked while still grow-
ing, under-wing loops (Figure 6.2(d)) can be satisfactory for backpacks, but
tags must be very carefully designed (Hill et al. 1999). Lumbar harnesses, with
a loop round each leg (Rappole and Tipton 1991), are also a relatively recent

Choice of techniques| 147

Fig. 6.2Radio-tags used on birds, for attachment as (a) necklace; (b) tail mount;
(c) back-pack with body loops and breast-strap; (d) backpack with under-wing
loops.

(d)

(c)

(a)

(b)