A TECHNIQUE TO SPRAY DYES ON BIRDS

A device for spraying dyes onto nearby birds for individual identifica tion is described. The technique was used to color-mark Common Terns ( Sterna hirundo) without trapping. Refillable hairspray bottles, filled with dye,are activated from a distance in order to spray dye towards a bird sitting in an appropriate position. This technique can be used for any medium- to large-sized species that regularly uses artificial or natural resting or nesting sites.