Research Wildlife Biologist Steve Matsuoka explores how climate change affects the reproductive success of Alaska’s diverse bird communities, which include more than 100 species that migrate to Alaska each year world to breed.
Landbird Research in Alaska Active
By Alaska Science Center
December 27, 2023
On this page, learn about USGS work on Beak Deformities and Boreal Partners in Flight.
Return to Ecosystems >> Terrestrial Ecosystems
Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey (ALMS)
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
(Credit: Lance McNew, USGS)
Alaska provides breeding habitat for >140 regularly occurring species of landbirds, half of which breed predominantly north of the U.S.–Canada border. The road-based North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) provides some data on population trends in Alaska, but most northern species are inadequately monitored by that continental program because of a paucity of roads. Boreal Partners in Flight developed the Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey (ALMS) to monitor breeding populations of landbirds in the vast off-road areas of Alaska and to complement data collected from the roadside BBS.
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.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Changing Arctic Ecosystems
Arctic regions of Alaska are important for cultural and economic sustainability and host a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which are of conservation and management interest to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS and collaborators provide information about Arctic ecosystems that are used by Arctic residents, management agencies, and industry.
Boreal Partners in Flight
WELCOME to the Alaska Landbird Resource Information System, the official web site for Boreal Partners in Flight! Thanks for taking the time to learn more about the Boreal Partners in Flight program and our efforts to understand and conserve northern populations of landbirds.
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.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 37
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Steve Matsuoka, Research Wildlife Biologist
Research Wildlife Biologist Steve Matsuoka explores how climate change affects the reproductive success of Alaska’s diverse bird communities, which include more than 100 species that migrate to Alaska each year world to breed.
Female McKay's Bunting on St. Matthew Island
Female McKay's Bunting on St. Matthew Island.
Female McKay's Bunting on St. Matthew Island.
Male McKay's Bunting on St. Matthew Island
Male McKay's Bunting on St. Matthew Island
Male McKay's Bunting on St. Matthew Island
Male Wilson's Warbler in a shrub on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Male Wilson's Warbler. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Male Wilson's Warbler. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Black-capped Chickadee with a deformed crossed beak
A Black-capped Chickadee with a beak that has grown long and crossed
A Black-capped Chickadee with a beak that has grown long and crossed
Male Lapland Longspur in dwarf shrub mat habitat
Male Lapland Longspur in dwarf shrub mat habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Male Lapland Longspur in dwarf shrub mat habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Short-eared Owl on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Short-eared Owl. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Short-eared Owl. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
A male Willow Ptarmigan
A closeup of a male Willow Ptarmigan.
Yellow Warbler nest in a tall shrub thicket habitat
Yellow Warbler nest in a tall shrub thicket habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Yellow Warbler nest in a tall shrub thicket habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
American Golden-Plover nest in dwarf shrub mat habitat
American Golden-Plover nest in dwarf shrub mat habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
American Golden-Plover nest in dwarf shrub mat habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Boreal Chickadee with a mildly deformed beak
A Boreal Chickadee with a mildly deformed beak.
A Boreal Chickadee with a mildly deformed beak.
A Red-breasted Nuthatch captured at an Anchorage banding station
A Red-breasted Nuthatch captured at an Anchorage banding station
A Red-breasted Nuthatch captured at an Anchorage banding station
Young Arctic Warbler with a band, Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Young Arctic Warbler with a band, Seward Peninsula, Alaska.
Young Arctic Warbler with a band, Seward Peninsula, Alaska.
American Tree Sparrow in low to medium shrub thicket habitat
American Tree Sparrow in low to medium shrub thicket habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
American Tree Sparrow in low to medium shrub thicket habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Savannah Sparrow sitting on a hummock in dwarf shrub meadow habitat
Savannah Sparrow sitting on a hummock in dwarf shrub meadow habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Savannah Sparrow sitting on a hummock in dwarf shrub meadow habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Adult male Bluethroat with bands on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Adult male Bluethroat with bands on the Seward Peninsula in Alaska.
Adult male Bluethroat with bands on the Seward Peninsula in Alaska.
Black-capped Chickadee with lower elongated and upper curved beak
A Black-capped Chickadee with a severely deformed beak where the upper beak is elongated and curved down while the lower beak is elongated and straight. Avian keratin disorder (AKD) is a disease characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues.
A Black-capped Chickadee with a severely deformed beak where the upper beak is elongated and curved down while the lower beak is elongated and straight. Avian keratin disorder (AKD) is a disease characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues.
Black-capped Chickadee with lower elongated and upper curved beak
A Black-capped Chickadee with a severely deformed beak where the upper beak is elongated and curved down while the lower beak is elongated and straight
A Black-capped Chickadee with a severely deformed beak where the upper beak is elongated and curved down while the lower beak is elongated and straight
Black-capped chickadee captured at an Anchorage banding station
A black-capped chickadee with a normal beak captured at an Anchorage banding station.
A black-capped chickadee with a normal beak captured at an Anchorage banding station.
Black-capped Chickadee with a mildly deformed beak
A Black-capped Chickadee with an upper beak slightly longer than the lower beak. Avian keratin disorder (AKD) is a disease 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.
A Black-capped Chickadee with an upper beak slightly longer than the lower beak. Avian keratin disorder (AKD) is a disease 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.
Slate-colored Junco
A Slate-colored Junco on Middleton Island, Alaska.
A Slate-colored Junco on Middleton Island, Alaska.
- Overview
On this page, learn about USGS work on Beak Deformities and Boreal Partners in Flight.
Return to Ecosystems >> Terrestrial Ecosystems
Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey (ALMS)
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsUSGS biologist Skyler Vold conducts a bird survey on Alaska’s Seward Peninsula.
(Credit: Lance McNew, USGS)Alaska provides breeding habitat for >140 regularly occurring species of landbirds, half of which breed predominantly north of the U.S.–Canada border. The road-based North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) provides some data on population trends in Alaska, but most northern species are inadequately monitored by that continental program because of a paucity of roads. Boreal Partners in Flight developed the Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey (ALMS) to monitor breeding populations of landbirds in the vast off-road areas of Alaska and to complement data collected from the roadside BBS.
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.
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Changing Arctic Ecosystems
Arctic regions of Alaska are important for cultural and economic sustainability and host a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which are of conservation and management interest to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS and collaborators provide information about Arctic ecosystems that are used by Arctic residents, management agencies, and industry.Boreal Partners in Flight
WELCOME to the Alaska Landbird Resource Information System, the official web site for Boreal Partners in Flight! Thanks for taking the time to learn more about the Boreal Partners in Flight program and our efforts to understand and conserve northern populations of landbirds.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. - Data
- Multimedia
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 37
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Steve Matsuoka, Research Wildlife BiologistResearch Wildlife Biologist Steve Matsuoka explores how climate change affects the reproductive success of Alaska’s diverse bird communities, which include more than 100 species that migrate to Alaska each year world to breed.
Research Wildlife Biologist Steve Matsuoka explores how climate change affects the reproductive success of Alaska’s diverse bird communities, which include more than 100 species that migrate to Alaska each year world to breed.
Female McKay's Bunting on St. Matthew IslandFemale McKay's Bunting on St. Matthew Island.
Female McKay's Bunting on St. Matthew Island.
Male McKay's Bunting on St. Matthew IslandMale McKay's Bunting on St. Matthew Island
Male McKay's Bunting on St. Matthew Island
Male Wilson's Warbler in a shrub on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaMale Wilson's Warbler. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Male Wilson's Warbler. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Black-capped Chickadee with a deformed crossed beakA Black-capped Chickadee with a beak that has grown long and crossed
A Black-capped Chickadee with a beak that has grown long and crossed
Male Lapland Longspur in dwarf shrub mat habitatMale Lapland Longspur in dwarf shrub mat habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Male Lapland Longspur in dwarf shrub mat habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Short-eared Owl on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaShort-eared Owl. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Short-eared Owl. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
A male Willow PtarmiganA closeup of a male Willow Ptarmigan.
Yellow Warbler nest in a tall shrub thicket habitatYellow Warbler nest in a tall shrub thicket habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Yellow Warbler nest in a tall shrub thicket habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
American Golden-Plover nest in dwarf shrub mat habitatAmerican Golden-Plover nest in dwarf shrub mat habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
American Golden-Plover nest in dwarf shrub mat habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Boreal Chickadee with a mildly deformed beakA Boreal Chickadee with a mildly deformed beak.
A Boreal Chickadee with a mildly deformed beak.
A Red-breasted Nuthatch captured at an Anchorage banding stationA Red-breasted Nuthatch captured at an Anchorage banding station
A Red-breasted Nuthatch captured at an Anchorage banding station
Young Arctic Warbler with a band, Seward Peninsula, AlaskaYoung Arctic Warbler with a band, Seward Peninsula, Alaska.
Young Arctic Warbler with a band, Seward Peninsula, Alaska.
American Tree Sparrow in low to medium shrub thicket habitatAmerican Tree Sparrow in low to medium shrub thicket habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
American Tree Sparrow in low to medium shrub thicket habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Savannah Sparrow sitting on a hummock in dwarf shrub meadow habitatSavannah Sparrow sitting on a hummock in dwarf shrub meadow habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Savannah Sparrow sitting on a hummock in dwarf shrub meadow habitat. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Adult male Bluethroat with bands on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaAdult male Bluethroat with bands on the Seward Peninsula in Alaska.
Adult male Bluethroat with bands on the Seward Peninsula in Alaska.
Black-capped Chickadee with lower elongated and upper curved beakA Black-capped Chickadee with a severely deformed beak where the upper beak is elongated and curved down while the lower beak is elongated and straight. Avian keratin disorder (AKD) is a disease characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues.
A Black-capped Chickadee with a severely deformed beak where the upper beak is elongated and curved down while the lower beak is elongated and straight. Avian keratin disorder (AKD) is a disease characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues.
Black-capped Chickadee with lower elongated and upper curved beakA Black-capped Chickadee with a severely deformed beak where the upper beak is elongated and curved down while the lower beak is elongated and straight
A Black-capped Chickadee with a severely deformed beak where the upper beak is elongated and curved down while the lower beak is elongated and straight
Black-capped chickadee captured at an Anchorage banding stationA black-capped chickadee with a normal beak captured at an Anchorage banding station.
A black-capped chickadee with a normal beak captured at an Anchorage banding station.
Black-capped Chickadee with a mildly deformed beakA Black-capped Chickadee with an upper beak slightly longer than the lower beak. Avian keratin disorder (AKD) is a disease 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.
A Black-capped Chickadee with an upper beak slightly longer than the lower beak. Avian keratin disorder (AKD) is a disease 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.
Slate-colored JuncoA Slate-colored Junco on Middleton Island, Alaska.
A Slate-colored Junco on Middleton Island, Alaska.
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