Tarsus measurement of a banded Common Loon
Detailed Description
A Common Loon leg is carefully outstretched to measure. Measurements, such as tarsus length, is collected by researchers to better understand individual and population changes over time. Colored leg bands are applied to identify an individual from a distance, allowing scientists to additionally obtain movement data, without having to recapture the bird.
Sources/Usage
Permission given from Biodiversity Research Institute to use photo for Notes From the Field article.