Banding (or ringing) is the mainstay of much shorebird work. All banded birds receive a numbered metal band, but many birds will also receive colour-bands or leg-flags.
In studies where individual identification of birds is needed, colour-bands are often used. They are usually placed on the tarsus (lower leg) and are visible at reasonable distances. The arrangement of colours is used to create individual ‘codes’. The number of codes available can be increased if another marker, such as a band on a tibia (upper leg) or a flag, is used in combination with the bands. Colour-banding is used on a number of species in the EAAF, including Bar-tailed Godwits, Red Knots and Ruddy Turnstone in New Zealand.
More on colour-banding schemes
Leg-flags are small tags, made of the same material as colour-bands, and extend out from the leg. They are highly visible, and different countries or regions have been using different colours to help identify routes used by shorebirds on migration.
Recently (2005), leg flags with digits inscribed have been placed on a wide range of waders, mostly in Northwest Australia. These flags allow individuals to be identified via the code on the flag.
Band or flag sightings are no use unless the right people hear about them. Most countries have official banding offices that deal with banding data, and all sightings filed to the banding office should make it to the researcher who did the banding. The shorebird research communities in Australasia are small and well-connected, so it should be quick and easy to track down the source of any banded birds seen.
See who to contact to report bands