Return rates of banded granivores in relation to band color and number of bands worn

Abstract

We tested the null hypotheses of (1) no effect of band color and (2) no effect of number of bands worn on annual recapture rates of birds on their winter range. Results are reported from four species of granivores-Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus), Goldencrowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) , White-crowned Sparrow (2. leucophrys) , and Darkeyed Junco (Junco hyemalis). We found no effect of the number of bands worn on return rates of these species, nor did we detect an effect of band color on return rates. In the latter case, however, the power of our tests was low, and some results hinted at possible effects of color, especially yellow bands on Golden-crowned Sparrows.

Citation

Verner, Jared; Breese, Dawn; Purcell, Kathryn L. 1998. Return rates of banded granivores in relation to band color and number of bands worn. Journal of field ornithology. 71(1): 117-125