Comparing different types of patagial tags for use on vultures

Abstract

Raptor research often requires identifying individuals. Researchers place patagial tags on raptors to facilitate such identification. Researchers in southern African use two main types of patagial tags: hard plastic ear tags originally designed for cattle and soft vinyl tags. We deployed both types of tags on vultures in Botswana.  Based on our observations, we recommend using soft vinyl tags as they appear to be more aerodynamic and  can be read from below when a raptor is soaring, as well as when the bird is perched. Cattle ear tags  sometimes flutter when raptors fly and can only be read when the dorsal surface of the wing is visible.