One of the main techniques for recognizing individuals in avian field research is marking birds with plastic and metal leg rings. However, in some species individuals may react negatively to rings, causing leg injuries and, in extreme cases, the loss of a foot or limb. Here, we report problems that arise from ringing and illustrate solutions based on field data from Brown Thornbills (Acanthiza pusilla) (2 populations), Siberian Jays (Perisoreus infaustus) and Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens (Malurus coronatus). We encountered three problems caused by plastic rings: inflammations triggered by material accumulating under the ring (Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens), contact inflammations as a consequence of plastic rings touching the foot or tibio-tarsal joint (Brown Thornbills), and toes or the foot getting trapped in partly unwrapped flat-band colour rings (Siberian Jays). Metal rings caused two problems: the edges of aluminium rings bent inwards if mounted on top of each other (Brown Thornbills), and too small a ring size led to inflammation (Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens). We overcame these problems by changing the ringing technique (using different ring types or larger rings), or using different adhesive. Additionally, we developed and tested a novel, simple technique of gluing plastic rings onto metal rings in Brown Thornbills. A review of studies reporting ring injuries (N = 23) showed that small birds (<55 g body weight) are more prone to leg infections while larger birds (>35 g) tend to get rings stuck over their feet. We give methodological advice on how these problems can be avoided, and suggest a ringing hazard index to compare the impact of ringing in terms of injury on different bird species. Finally, to facilitate improvements in ringing techniques, we encourage online deposition of information regarding ringing injuries of birds at a website hosted by the European Union for Bird Ringing (EURING).

For most passerines, nest predation has a major impact on breeding success; however, information on the identity of nest predators is scant. In 2012, we investigated the identity of nest predators that each year depredate about 50% of the nests of 21 species in a southeast coastal bird community in New South Wales, Australia. The current study is a 2-year extension of this study and shows that at this study site (a) predation accounts for at least 90% of nest failures, (b) identified nest predators comprised two reptiles, nine birds and five mammals, (c) the suite of predators changes each season, (d) the two major predators were the Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus) and the Fan-tailed Cuckoo (Cacomantis flabelliformis), (e) the impact of the Red Fox and Feral Cat was minimal, and (f) there was a variable and complex interaction between the parasitic cuckoos and their hosts. The data show definitively the overwhelming importance of nest predation on fledgling production, and bring to light new and important data on several aspects of the suite of nest predators.

No abstract

Nest predation is the moSt common source of nest failure in most passerine$, yet the identity of the predators is generally poorly known. Recent advances in surveillance cameras have made the identification of nest predators much easier. We used this technology to investigate the nest predators of a woodland bird community in south-east Australia. for which nest predation averaged 59% per annum over four years. Despite the loss of more than 240 clutChes or broods during this period, only one predation event was witnessed prior to the use of cameras, and the identity of predators remained virtually unknown. During the 20121 13 breeding season, cameras recorded 17 acu of nest predation involving seven species of nesting birds, and we identified seven species of predator (four birds and three mammals\. For two of the avian oredators. we recorded hitherto unknown behaviour: !

We document here the effects of an unusual temperature event related to a site in South East NSW that is the subject of a longitudinal study of the breeding biology of woodland birds. In the three breeding seasons before the 2009-10 season we recorded only one temperature above 40°C in November (40.9), and one in December (42.9). All other records above 40°C occurred in January when there were relatively few active nests. On November 20 2009 a temperature of 46.2°C was recorded, when there were 22 active nests. We are suggesting that at least six, and perhaps seven of these nests failed as a result of this event.