Wing Tags

Some Red Kite chicks are fitted with wing tags and ringed. The ring being attached to one leg. Each ring contains a unique identification number.





The tag on the left wing denotes the area from where the bird came from. In this case it is yellow, therefore a Chilterns kite.








The tag on the right wing denotes the year the bird hatched. Green is the colour for the year 2006






Each tag also has a number which is unique to that particular bird in a specific year, and identifies the nest where the bird was raised.



The wing tags enable fieldworkers to glean vital information about the kites, such as their movements. The tags are viewable by means of binoculars or a 'scope. The tag usually stays on the bird for several years.

Below is an explanation of some of the wings tags you may see:

Colour of tag on LEFT wing:

Chilterns - Yellow
East Midlands - White
Yorkshire - Orange
Wales - Black
Central Scotland - Red
North Scotland - Blue
Dumfries & Galloway - Green
North East England - Pink

Colour of tag on RIGHT wing

1999 - Black
2000 - Pink
2001 - Blue
2002 – White
2003 – Red
2004 – Yellow
2005 – Orange
2006 – Green
2007 - Purple
2008 - Black