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Beak deformity in Starling - Chester

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 12:37 pm
by fletcher
Hello all, I have had this image sent to me this morning of a starling with an elongated upper mandible. I have to be honest I've not seen this before.

I guess this will cause a major issue for the bird when it is trying to feed? Although, having said that, it can't be that bad as it looks like a fair amount of "over growth" that must have taken some time to accumulate.

Can I ask, does anyone know how common this deformity is? Are there any environmental factors that exacerbate the problem and is there anything the sender can do to help this particular bird?

Thanks,

Eric

Re: Beak deformity in Starling - Chester

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 4:00 pm
by PaulMartinHill
This phenomenon is not common and most birds manage to survive OK, adapting to feed sideways. I had a similar Starling for the last two or three winters at our feeders at home (Allostock) and the bird was occasionally seen in the Summer, but I haven't noticed it this winter. Blue Tits have also been recorded with deformed bills, with the upper and lower mandibles crossing over, rather like a Crossbill.

Paul