Brown-headed Cowbird with beak deformity in Virginia
By Alaska Science Center
February 2021 (approx.)
Detailed Description
Brown-headed Cowbird with beak deformity characteristic of avian keratin disorder (AKD) shared by a citizen science observer in Alexandria, Virginia, USA. Avian keratin disorder 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.
Copyright: Photo taken by Teresa Bryant
Sources/Usage
Copyright Permission Agreement signed by Teresa Bryant. The U.S. Geological Survey has been granted permission to use copyright material in information products including publications, data releases, and webpages.
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Beak Deformities in Landbirds
Over the past 26 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. If...
Related
Beak Deformities in Landbirds
Over the past 26 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. If...