Landbird Research in Alaska
Science Center Objects
On this page, learn about USGS work on Beak Deformities and Boreal Partners in Flight.
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USGS biologist Skyler Vold conducts a bird survey on Alaska’s Seward Peninsula.
(Credit: Lance McNew, USGS. Public domain.)
Beak Deformities in Landbirds
The Alaska Science Center began research on a cluster of beak deformities in landbirds in Alaska in 1999. We have since identified more than 3,000 Black-capped Chickadees affected by this disease, known as avian keratin disorder, which represents the highest concentration of such abnormalities ever recorded in a wild bird population! More recently, increasing numbers of other species, including nuthatches, woodpeckers, crows, and jays have also been reported with beak deformities by biologists and local residents.
Boreal Partners in Flight
Alaska Landbird Resource Information System, the official web site for Boreal Partners in Flight! Here is the place to learn more about the Boreal Partners in Flight program and our efforts to understand and conserve northern populations of landbirds.
Slate-colored Junco
A Slate-colored Junco on Middleton Island, Alaska.
A Wilson’s Snipe
A close up of the head of a Wilson’s Snipe.
Juvenile Northern Shrike
Juvenile Northern Shrike. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Acoustic recording device on the Seward Peninsula tundra, Alaska
An acoustic recording device on the tundra of the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Skyler Vold conducts a bird survey on the Seward Peninsula
USGS biologist Skyler Vold conducts a bird survey on Alaska’s Seward Peninsula
Savannah Sparrow nest with eggs on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Savannah Sparrow nest with egg. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Common Redpolls in a spruce tree in Anchorage, Alaska
Two Common Redpolls sitting in a snow covered spruce tree in Anchorage, Alaska
Black-capped Chickadee with a deformed beak
A Black-capped Chickadee with a beak that has grown long and curved down
Rachel Richardson retrieving a Yellow Warbler from a mist net
Rachel Richardson retrieving a Orange Warbler from a mist net in the boreal forest on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. The project was part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem program.
Arctic Warbler in Alaska
Scientist holding an Arctic Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo is part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystems Boreal-Arctic Transition program.
Juvenile Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Juvenile Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.