standardization of records keeping in indian zoos - Central Zoo ...

The use of non colored numbered metal bands should be replaced by colored
plastic/ metal alphanumeric bands in zoo birds as the birds with non colored metal
bands cannot be identified from even a small distance, every time a bird needs to be
identified it has to be captured which is very stressful for them especially the shy
pheasants. Colored bands can be extremely helpful in recording bird relationships and
breeding activity; and they are invaluable in species where there is no sexual
dimorphism. The ideal leg band should be lightweight, strong, numbered and
available in a selection of colors for each size.
Peacock pheasants should be ringed above the spur as the ring can interfere
with the growth of the spur.
Leg banding of Ratite birds like the emus, Cassowaries, Rheas etc pose special
problems because of their large size, strength and the greater diameter of their tarsi.
Possibly through the use of a squeeze type cage, these large powerful birds could be
restricted long enough to be leg- banded.
A lock type band would prove satisfactory for ratite birds. The design of the
overlap band inhibits its removal by spreading, which is always a possibility with the
butt- end band. The lock- type band is also more secure than the butt- end type. In this
device, a tongue at one end of the metal is inserted through a slot at the opposite and
is bent back over the edge and flattened securely with the end of the flat, long – nosed
pliers(Griswold 1968).
The psittacines usually chew off their leg bands but strong colored steel leg
bands are now available which can be used to mark parrots and macaws.
Picture 12: strong colored metal leg bands for parrots and macaws
Picture 13: Purple alphanumeric band on bald eagle
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