Seychelles bird longevities

Seychelles Magpie Robin

During August 2019 bird ringing training courses were held on Aride and on Cousin Islands in the Seychelles. Some interesting longevity records were obtained.

Madagascar Turtle Dove

A Madagascar Turtle Dove was recaptured on Cousin Island on 19 August 2019. This individual had been ringed in the same area 7 years 11 months previously. This dove has a subspecies in Madagascar and one in the Seychelles, but these two subspecies interbreed in the Seychelles. No longevity records appear to have been published for any forms of this turtle dove, making this the oldest known record for the species.

Madagascar Turtle Dove
Madagascar Turtle Dove

 

Seychelles Fody

A Seychelles Fody was recaptured on Aride Island on 15 August 2019. It had been ringed as a juvenile on the same island nearly 14 years previously (ring FA41377)! While the oldest fody is 16 years, this is the oldest fody recorded on Aride.

Seychelles Fody
Seychelles Fody with pale bill

 

Seychelles Magpie Robin

A Seychelles Magpie Robin (4A51905) was recaptured about 9 years after it fledged. Currently the oldest Seychelles Magpie Robin in the SAFRING database is 12 years 3 months (ring 4A38425). However, there are many outstanding magpie-robin records, so there could be an even older bird.

Seychelles Magpie Robin
Seychelles Magpie Robin on bird table

 

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Dieter Oschadleus
Dieter Oschadleus
Dieter Oschadleus leads the BDI bird ringing expeditions, and is able to organise bird ringing courses (having run many courses in South Africa, and some in the Seychelles). Dieter is also a registered bird guide in South Africa, and has birded widely in Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. Dieter is able to act as a bird guide for day trips in Cape Town, and is able to customise birds tours in South Africa and beyond.