Information including topography, ring size lists, moult scores and codes, age codes, brood patch codes and fat and pectoral muscle scores.
The following is a selection of downloadable PDFs that contain useful information. Some are intended to aid with the collection of biometric data, such as moult codes and brood patch scores, whilst others are intended as reference materials to help in the field. Further information about what additional biometric information we recommend taking can be found on the Additional biometrics page.
General information
| Topography of a bird (PDF, 121.35 KB) |
| Trapped rarity form (DOC, 168.50 KB) |
| Errata - Identification Guide to European Passerines - Svensson |
| Errata - Identification of European Non-Passerines - Baker (DOCX, 13.80 KB) |
| A Field Reference Guide for Ringing and Nest Recording errata 05-06-2025 |
Biometric data
| Moult and codes (PDF, 223.83 KB) |
| Codes crib sheet (moult, BP, sexing, activity) (PDF, 13.44 KB) |
| Age codes (PDF, 10.32 KB) |
Moult scoringMoult scoring (PDF, 65.45 KB) |
Moult coding - age 2Moult coding - age 2 (PDF, 11.16 KB) |
Moult coding - age 3Moult coding - age 3 (PDF, 12.48 KB) |
Moult coding - age 4-6Moult coding - age 4-6 (PDF, 11.95 KB) |
Sedge WarblerSedge Warbler (PDF, 11.61 KB) |
Brood patch codes and photosBrood patch codes and photos (PDF, 559.43 KB) |
Brood patchesBrood patches (PDF, 161.12 KB) |
Fat scoresFat scores (PDF, 314.19 KB) |
Pectoral muscle scorePectoral muscle score (PDF, 475.77 KB) |