Was this tag damage on wing? Good catch! ACW00059gi
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by wreness moderator
@Chattox1 saw this white mark on the condor's wing at the right and wondered if the bird had lost the tag, leaving only the clasp remaining. This was a great catch since this is something we'd defiantly need reported if it was seen.
Tags are attached to the condor's wings (or any bird) by what is called a patagial tag. These go through a space in the muscles at the top of the wing, much like an ear piecing. They can tear, however, or enlarge or get damaged through wear or fighting. Did you know all tags are made by hand?
You can read a post we have on our pages (with a great photo) explaining the process.
This particular photo in question turned out to be a feather, luckily, and not a damaged tag.
In this photo you can see the shadow is short and the curl of the feather
In this photo, it's smaller when the condor turns a bit more
Great question and observation 😃 !
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