Effect of Wing Tags on Renesting Interval in Red-Winged Blackbirds

Abstract

Red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), like many other passerines, will sometimes renest if their first nest is destroyed. During a nesting ecology study of this species (Jackson 1971), I measured the interval required for renesting to begin after nest destruction. My intention was to use patagial tags as an aid in locating birds that renested. I used patagial tags during 1968-69, but when I suspected that the tags disrupted behavior and delayed renesting, I discontinued their use and thereafter used only aluminum leg bands. Data presented here compare renesting intervals for redwinged blackbirds marked with aluminum bands alone and with aluminum bands and plastic patagial tags.