kmike

A general observation

I have no idea how these birds might have got to where they are, but if they were escapes why don't they show any sign of it?

A HKU PhD  survey of birds in the HK bird market showed that over 90% of captive birds showed visible evidence of cage damage.  

The logical implication is that  birds which do not show cage damage are unlikely to have come from a cage.

Doesn't the fact that just one out of the six Varied Tits show possible (and by no means certain) signs of cage damage, makes it rather unlikely that these birds have indeed been in captivity?

Cheers
Mike K

PS if dishevillment is really to be taken as evidence of escape then half the birders I know belong in jail!

kmike

Interesting news indeed Jonathan  . . .

Length of time in captivity may not be the only factor in the extent of cage damage. While certain aspects (e.g. bumble foot and aberrant moult) are related to the time in captivity. Trapped birds, especially if roughly extracted, could show plumage damage from the moment of capture.

Other factors likely to affect the amount of cage damage could include the size and design of the cage relative to the size of the bird, how hard the bird tries to escape, the degree of stress, the amount of crowding in the cage, possibility of aggression by other birds and the presence or absence of feathers especially prone to damage (e.g. the tail of a White-rumped Shama).


Cheers
Mike