Ringing hummingbirds and sunbirds was often a challenge in terms of adapting equipment to the size of these birds and the need for an agile and optimal ringing system. We have developed and tested some new equipment that we want to share with the ringing community.
In recent decades, there has been little progress in equipment for ringing hummingbirds and sunbirds.
Particularly in the Neotropics and Africa rings are difficult to obtain or, when available, they are not of the desired quality for such a delicate activity.
Ring rounders were rarely used and never special pliers.
Working hand in hand for several years with experts in ringing hummingbirds and sunbirds, we have tried to improve the quality of the rings and make them accessible to researchers, along with the basic equipment. All free of charge thanks to the support of the Ornithology and Birding School and its Bird Observatory Network.
The new ring system abandons the classic strip that had to be cut. Now the rings are pre-cut with laser in diameters ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 mm
The new rings have eight diameters from 1.4 (adaptable a 1.2) to 2.0 and an option of rings numbered at one end so that if necessary they can be cut to another length, according to the tarsus or tibia of the bird.
The rings are made of 2.0mm thick aluminium which in the rounding device can be cut cleanly with a cutter.
They have a laser inscription giving the desired address and alphanumeric code.
Pliers with narrow jaws for all types of tarsi or tibia
We have tested a wide range of pliers suitable for legs and rings, as well as various pliers, some with built-in lights. We recommend pliers with a jaw thickness of 1,2 or 1,4 to 2 mm.
The great ringer Matt Prior, shows us how easy it is to ring hummingbirds with the equipment developed by Guillem Chacon: the new rings, the rounder and the special hummingbird pliers.
History and use in the world
The new style of rings and instruments were presented on May 6, 2022 at the University of Barcelona (Catalonia).
The first test with Hummingbirds was on May 14, 2022 at the Manu Bird Observatory (Peru).
The Mexico Scheme Birds.MX immediately incorporated the changes in protocol and the Ornithology and Birding School integrated it for Sunbirds (Nectariniidae) in various African countries.
Update January 2025: We have already been able to test the equipment in several countries in North, Central and South America. Also in Africa, where sunbirds were causing similar problems. This year we will take the pliers and equipment to Asia to share the experience with other colleagues from ringing stations.
An essential tool: The Ring Rounder
The Ring Rounder is a precision instrument to replace the cumbersome strips of rings that had to be cut to size manually.
The Ring Rounder:
If you work with hummingbirds and you need to improve your equipment or you simply do not have rings for these birds, we will gladly send you a sample.
Very important: This is an offer of solidarity with no commercial purpose. Our sole aim is to help those of us who share a desire to further the study and conservation of birds.
Reference:
Chacon, G. (May 19, 2022). Contributions to improve the ringing of hummingbirds and sunbirds. BirdRing. https://birdring.net/hummingbird
