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| Gallery (ageing & sexing) This page illustrates some of the techniques we use to determine facts about individual birds. Some features are so obvious that it is often possible to recognize them in the field. Sometimes that may require a close view in good light, but nonetheless can add an extra dimension to visual observation. |
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| Juvenile Sedge Warbler. Note the fine 'necklace' a feature also visible in the field. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| This is a first year Firecrest. The very pointed 'pin -like' tail feather shape is markedly different from the smooth 'spoon-like' tail feathers of adult birds. Tail shape is a really useful feature for many species. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| A male Fieldfare. The shape of the crown feathers (in males 'ace of spades' shaped) frequently allows the sexes to be separated. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The three final images show one of the most important features used by ringers to age individual birds. All birds moult (replace feathers). In most species there is a fairly well recorded pattern or sequence of moult. Many birds only replace some of their wing feathers in their first year. This leaves a tell tale 'limit' or visible difference between older retained feathers and new replacements. This is often most visible on what are called the greater coverts. See if you can spot the colour change in the central 'row' of feathers in the photo's. They all show a moult 'limit' and in each of these cases it confirms they are in their first year of life. Pied Wagtail |
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| Brambling | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Female Blackbird | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This is a female Blackbird but look closely at the next male you see in the garden. If it is a first year bird it is usually possible to see a clear brown and black contrast in the wing. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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