Techniques for Prolonged Confinement and Transport of Small Insectivorous Passerines

--Existing methods for holding passetines after capture and before handling were unsatisfactory for introducing captured Nashville Warblers (Vermivora ruficapilla) into longterm captivity. Significantly (P = 0.02) more warblers (90/98) survived confinement by a new technique described herein than by previously used methods (43/54). The new technique combined three factors that may have contributed to successful introduction to captivity: (1) a dark, quiet environment; (2) prompt provision of food and water; and (3) reduced handling time. The transport technique was 100% successful in 188 bird-trips of 612 km each. T•CNICAS PARA EL CONFINAMIENTO Y TRANSPORTE DE AVES INSECTiVORAS PEQUE•AS Sinopsis.--Los m•todos cxistentcs para inmovilizar paserinos, luego de su captufa y previo a scr manipulados, resultaron insatisfactorios para mantenet en cautiverio pot un periodo prolongado a individuos de Vermwora ruficapilla. Un nfimero significativamente mayor de individuos (P = 0.02) sobrevivi6 (90/98) cl confinamiento luego del uso de nuevas t6cnicas (a scr descritas) al compararse csto con los m&odos previamente utilizados (43/54). La nueva t6cnica combina tres factorcs que pucdcn contribuir a la introducci6n exitosa de estas aves al cautiverio: (1) un ambiente tranquilo y oscuro, (2) el proveer prontamente agua y alimento, y (3) reducir el ticmpo de manipulaci6n. La t6cnica dc transporte result6 set 100% cficiente en 188 viajes de 612 kms cada uno. Bird banders and other researchers have developed techniques for the brief confinement of birds. These techniques are designed to restrict a bird's movement and keep it calm during the short period between capture and release. If birds must be held for prolonged periods, however, then the cages and methods must be altered. The birds have to adjust from the freedom of the wild to the confinement of captivity (e.g., they must learn to eat and drink within a cage). Though researchers have worked with wild birds in captivity, I have not seen a description of procedures for introducing birds to captivity or transporting birds long distances, and I do not know the success rate of the techniques used by other researchers. I have developed a successful technique for the prolonged confinement and transportation of a small, insectivorous passefine. An efficient technique for introducing warblers into captivity was necessary for two reasons. First, the technique was to be used on an endangered species. As more rare and endangered species are placed in captive breeding programs, low risk techniques for handling them will be essential. Second, the temporal window for catching local, juvenile warblers was very narrow, i.e., between independence and migration. An efficient method for the long-distance transport of the warblers was also important. Research or breeding facilities are often far from the local environments where birds are captured.