The rates of beak deformities documented in Black-capped Chickadees and Northwestern Crows in Alaska are the highest ever recorded within a wild bird population anywhere.
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Since the 1990's, prevalence of avian keratin disorder (AKD) has clearly increased in Alaska and now affects an estimated 6.5% (±0.5%) of adult Black-capped Chickadees and 16.9% (±5.3%) of adult Northwestern Crows.
Typically, abnormal beaks are relatively rare among adult birds, and background levels are less than 0.5% in normal populations. The prevalence we measured in chickadees was four times higher than the maximum rate previously documented for any passerine (Pomerory 1962). For crows, this estimate was more than 15 times higher.
Based on reports from the late 1990s, two epicenters of AKD among Black-capped Chickadees were first identified: one in the Mat-Su Valley and one in Bristol Bay. Beak deformities initially appeared to be clustered in south-central Alaska, where most chickadees with beak deformities have been observed. However, relatively large numbers of chickadees and other species have recently been observed with deformities in the Fairbanks area of central Alaska. We have also documented chickadees with beak deformities at remote locations in south-central Alaska.
Beak deformities among other species, including crows, appear to be increasing in Alaska and throughout the Pacific Northwest. In addition, recent reports from other parts of North America and Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, suggest that this problem may affect a large geographic area.
Developmentally, birds appear to develop beak deformities as adults, rather than as embryos or nestlings, suggesting that they are not congenital in nature. Very few young birds had obvious deformities, as compared to high rates in adults. Most deformities were very subtle in onset, however, with slight overgrowth or asymmetry of the beak. Based on results from our winter banding study, there seems to be a higher probability of deformities developing during late winter than during other parts of the year.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Beak Deformities in Landbirds
Background of Beak Deformity Research
Species Affected by Beak Deformities
Physical Description of Beak Deformities
Beak Deformity's Effects on Birds
Possible Causes for Beak Deformities
Literature Cited for Beak Deformities
Links Related to Beak Deformity Research
- Overview
The rates of beak deformities documented in Black-capped Chickadees and Northwestern Crows in Alaska are the highest ever recorded within a wild bird population anywhere.
Return to Ecosystems >> Terrestrial Ecosystems or Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health >> Beak Deformities >> Background of Beak Deformity Research
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Deformed beak Black-capped Chickadee next to peanut butter on a feeder(Credit: Lee Tibbitts, USGS, Alaska Science Center. Public domain.) - Beak Deformity and Banded Bird Observation Report
- Beak Deformity Home
- Background
- Species Affected
- Physical Description
- Prevalence, Distribution and Timing
- Effects on Birds
- Possible Causes
- Photo Gallery - see the Multimedia tab
- Publications - see the Publications tab
- Links
- Literature Cited
Since the 1990's, prevalence of avian keratin disorder (AKD) has clearly increased in Alaska and now affects an estimated 6.5% (±0.5%) of adult Black-capped Chickadees and 16.9% (±5.3%) of adult Northwestern Crows.
Typically, abnormal beaks are relatively rare among adult birds, and background levels are less than 0.5% in normal populations. The prevalence we measured in chickadees was four times higher than the maximum rate previously documented for any passerine (Pomerory 1962). For crows, this estimate was more than 15 times higher.
Based on reports from the late 1990s, two epicenters of AKD among Black-capped Chickadees were first identified: one in the Mat-Su Valley and one in Bristol Bay. Beak deformities initially appeared to be clustered in south-central Alaska, where most chickadees with beak deformities have been observed. However, relatively large numbers of chickadees and other species have recently been observed with deformities in the Fairbanks area of central Alaska. We have also documented chickadees with beak deformities at remote locations in south-central Alaska.
Beak deformities among other species, including crows, appear to be increasing in Alaska and throughout the Pacific Northwest. In addition, recent reports from other parts of North America and Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, suggest that this problem may affect a large geographic area.
Developmentally, birds appear to develop beak deformities as adults, rather than as embryos or nestlings, suggesting that they are not congenital in nature. Very few young birds had obvious deformities, as compared to high rates in adults. Most deformities were very subtle in onset, however, with slight overgrowth or asymmetry of the beak. Based on results from our winter banding study, there seems to be a higher probability of deformities developing during late winter than during other parts of the year.
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Beak Deformities in Landbirds
Over the past 20 years, Alaskans have witnessed a startling increase of beak deformities among Black-capped Chickadees and other species of resident birds. This disease, called avian keratin disorder (AKD), is characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues. Affected birds have difficulty feeding and preening, and may suffer high rates of mortality.Background of Beak Deformity Research
Large numbers of Black-capped Chickadees with abnormal beaks were reported in south-central Alaska in the late 1990s. More recently, similar beak deformities have appeared in other species throughout the state. At least 30 Alaskan bird species are affected and the geographic extent of the problem appears to be growing. In addition to Alaskan observations, we have received increasing numbers of...Species Affected by Beak Deformities
At least 30 Alaskan bird species are affected and the geographic extent of the problem appears to be growing. In addition to Alaskan observations, we have received increasing numbers of reports from other parts of North America and Europe.Physical Description of Beak Deformities
The most commonly observed physical abnormalities among Alaskan birds are overgrown or crossed beaks. The severity of the deformities varies, ranging from a nearly indiscernible “overbite” to beaks that are more than double their normal length. The upper and lower parts of the beak are also frequently crossed or gapped.Beak Deformity's Effects on Birds
Birds with beak deformities often have difficulty foraging and preening, and may not be able to keep themselves warm and well-fed during cold winter months. Although some birds with beak deformities breed successfully, they typically encounter more challenges than normal birds.Possible Causes for Beak Deformities
Beak deformities can be caused by a variety of factors, including contaminants, nutritional deficiencies, disease, parasites, blunt trauma, or genetic abnormalities. We recently identified a novel picornavirus (Poecivirus) in Black-capped Chickadees with avian keratin disorder (AKD). Our results suggest that Poecivirus is the most likely factor responsible for beak deformities in Alaskan birds...Literature Cited for Beak Deformities
Literature Cited in the Beak Deformity web pagesLinks Related to Beak Deformity Research
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