Ringing injuries in the Gough Moorhen Gallinula comeri

Abstract

To examine the extent and possible causes of ringing injuries in the Gough Moorhen Gallinula comeri, ringed birds were monitored and recaptured. Of ringed Gough Moorhens, 12.5% developed injuries associated with leg rings. Injuries developed rapidly, ranging from lameness to complete crippling of the leg. Given the cryptic behaviour of Gough Moorhens and the rapid onset of injuries, long-term use of metal rings is not recommended for free-roaming Gough Moorhens. Ringing injuries have not been reported previously in rails, highlighting the need for caution when ringing previously unstudied bird species. © 2012 Copyright British Trust for Ornithology.