• Korean Journal of Ornithology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.82-86
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• 2018

Color rings have been commonly and widely used in many ecological and ornithological studies in the field, but color ring-induced injury in passerines is poorly documented. In this report, we describe the first case of toe loss caused by a dislocated split Darvic ring in a Pale Thrush (Turdus pallidus) that was recaptured 596 days after its initial capture and release on Hong-do Island, the Republic of Korea. We also found that a left hind toe of a Light-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis) was entrapped by a split color ring when the bird was observed 135 days after the marking at Heuksan-do Island. Based on these two cases out of the 1,900 color ringed birds, we emphasize a precautionary approach following general guidelines in the application and use of color leg rings for future studies.