Plastic color-ring related injury in Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata)

Abstract

Studies that include ringing provide a lot of information about the behavior and distribution of birds. However, very few report the problems they can generate by injury and death. Here, we report the left foot injury of a male torrent duck (Merganetta armata) in the Nahuel Huapi National Park (Argentina) due to displacement of a color plastic ring; this could represent the first registered case in the species. The consequences of ringing birds with plastic color rings seem to differ across bird groups and environmental contexts. In this case, the strong current of the water could have favored the displacement of the ring from this male ́s tarsus to the foot. The description of this injury and the recommendations proposed in this article are aimed at minimizing the future impact of color plastic rings used on this and other duck species that inhabit rivers and mountain streams.