A Boreal Chickadee with a mildly deformed beak.
Rachel M Richardson
Rachel is a Wildlife Biologist for the Alaska Science Center.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 18
Landbird Research in Alaska
On this page, learn about USGS work with the Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey (ALMS), Beak Deformities in Landbirds, and Boreal Partners in Flight (BPIF).
Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey
Alaska provides breeding habitat for more than 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...
Boreal Partners in Flight
Welcome to the Alaska Landbird Resource Information System, the official web page 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 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...
Meeting and Project Summaries for Boreal Partners in Flight
Boreal Partners in Flight meets as a statewide group once a year, usually in early December. At our annual meeting, we review progress from the past year, set priorities, and decide what new projects to work on during the upcoming year. Below are meeting minutes and project summaries organized by year.
Links Related to Beak Deformity Research
Links, videos, and news articles related to beak deformity research.
Literature Cited for Beak Deformities
Literature Cited in the Beak Deformity web pages
Possible Causes of Beak Deformities
Beak deformities can be caused by a variety of factors, including contaminants, nutritional deficiencies, disease, parasites, blunt trauma, or genetic abnormalities. In 2016, we 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...
Prevalence, Distribution and Timing of Beak Deformities in Birds
The rates of beak deformities documented in Black-capped Chickadees and American Crows in Alaska are the highest ever recorded within a wild bird population anywhere.
Physical Description of Beak Deformities
The most commonly observed physical abnormalities among Alaskan birds are overgrown or crossed beaks.
Effects of Beak Deformities 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.
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...
Filter Total Items: 52
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 stationA 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 stationA Red-breasted Nuthatch captured at an Anchorage banding station
Fledgling Arctic Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Fledgling Arctic Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaFledgling Arctic Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystems Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Fledgling Arctic Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Fledgling Arctic Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaFledgling Arctic Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystems Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Young Arctic Warbler with a band, Seward Peninsula, Alaska
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
Young Arctic Warbler with a band, Seward Peninsula, AlaskaYoung Arctic Warbler with a band, Seward Peninsula, Alaska.
Male Arctic Warbler singing on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Male Arctic Warbler singing on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaMale Arctic Warbler singing 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.
Male Arctic Warbler singing on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Male Arctic Warbler singing on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaMale Arctic Warbler singing 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.
American Tree Sparrow in low to medium shrub thicket habitat
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
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.
Savannah Sparrow sitting on a hummock in dwarf shrub meadow habitat
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
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.
Whimbrel in dwarf shrub meadow habitat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Whimbrel in dwarf shrub meadow habitat on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaWhimbrel in dwarf shrub meadow habitat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska.
Whimbrel in dwarf shrub meadow habitat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Whimbrel in dwarf shrub meadow habitat on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaWhimbrel in dwarf shrub meadow habitat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska.
Savannah Sparrow on a hummock in dwarf shrub meadow habitat
Savannah Sparrow on a hummock in dwarf shrub meadow habitatSavannah Sparrow 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 on a hummock in dwarf shrub meadow habitat
Savannah Sparrow on a hummock in dwarf shrub meadow habitatSavannah Sparrow 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.
Whimbrel feeding on a hummock of dwarf shrub meadow habitat
Whimbrel feeding on a hummock of dwarf shrub meadow habitatWhimbrel feeding on a hummock of dwarf shrub meadow habitat.
Whimbrel feeding on a hummock of dwarf shrub meadow habitat
Whimbrel feeding on a hummock of dwarf shrub meadow habitatWhimbrel feeding on a hummock of dwarf shrub meadow habitat.
Adult male Bluethroat with bands on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
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, Alaska
Adult male Bluethroat with bands on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaAdult male Bluethroat with bands on the Seward Peninsula in Alaska.
Black-capped Chickadee with lower elongated and upper curved beak
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
Black-capped Chickadee with lower elongated and upper curved beak
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
Black-capped Chickadee with lower elongated and upper curved beak
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. Over the past 26 years, Alaskans have witnessed a startling increase of beak deformities among Black-capped Chickadees and other species of resident birds.
Black-capped Chickadee with lower elongated and upper curved beak
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. Over the past 26 years, Alaskans have witnessed a startling increase of beak deformities among Black-capped Chickadees and other species of resident birds.
Black-capped Chickadee captured at an Anchorage banding station
Black-capped Chickadee captured at an Anchorage banding stationA Black-capped Chickadee with a normal beak captured at an Anchorage banding station.
Black-capped Chickadee captured at an Anchorage banding station
Black-capped Chickadee captured at an Anchorage banding stationA Black-capped Chickadee with a normal beak captured at an Anchorage banding station.
Black-capped Chickadee with a mildly deformed beak
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.
Black-capped Chickadee with a mildly deformed beak
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.
Slate-colored Junco
A Slate-colored Junco on Middleton Island, Alaska.
A Slate-colored Junco on Middleton Island, Alaska.
A Wilson’s Snipe
A close up of the head of 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.
Juvenile Northern Shrike. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Whimbrel on the tundra on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Whimbrel on the tundra on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaWhimbrel on the tundra on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska.
Whimbrel on the tundra on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Whimbrel on the tundra on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaWhimbrel on the tundra on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska.
Savannah Sparrow nest with eggs on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Savannah Sparrow nest with eggs on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaSavannah Sparrow nest with egg. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Savannah Sparrow nest with eggs on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Savannah Sparrow nest with eggs on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaSavannah Sparrow nest with egg. 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 beak that has grown long and curved down
Black-capped Chickadee with a deformed beak that has grown long and curved downA Black-capped Chickadee with a beak that has grown long and curved down. 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.
Black-capped Chickadee with a deformed beak that has grown long and curved down
Black-capped Chickadee with a deformed beak that has grown long and curved downA Black-capped Chickadee with a beak that has grown long and curved down. 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.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 18
Landbird Research in Alaska
On this page, learn about USGS work with the Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey (ALMS), Beak Deformities in Landbirds, and Boreal Partners in Flight (BPIF).
Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey
Alaska provides breeding habitat for more than 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...
Boreal Partners in Flight
Welcome to the Alaska Landbird Resource Information System, the official web page 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 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...
Meeting and Project Summaries for Boreal Partners in Flight
Boreal Partners in Flight meets as a statewide group once a year, usually in early December. At our annual meeting, we review progress from the past year, set priorities, and decide what new projects to work on during the upcoming year. Below are meeting minutes and project summaries organized by year.
Links Related to Beak Deformity Research
Links, videos, and news articles related to beak deformity research.
Literature Cited for Beak Deformities
Literature Cited in the Beak Deformity web pages
Possible Causes of Beak Deformities
Beak deformities can be caused by a variety of factors, including contaminants, nutritional deficiencies, disease, parasites, blunt trauma, or genetic abnormalities. In 2016, we 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...
Prevalence, Distribution and Timing of Beak Deformities in Birds
The rates of beak deformities documented in Black-capped Chickadees and American Crows in Alaska are the highest ever recorded within a wild bird population anywhere.
Physical Description of Beak Deformities
The most commonly observed physical abnormalities among Alaskan birds are overgrown or crossed beaks.
Effects of Beak Deformities 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.
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...
Filter Total Items: 52
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 stationA 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 stationA Red-breasted Nuthatch captured at an Anchorage banding station
Fledgling Arctic Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Fledgling Arctic Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaFledgling Arctic Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystems Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Fledgling Arctic Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Fledgling Arctic Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaFledgling Arctic Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystems Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Young Arctic Warbler with a band, Seward Peninsula, Alaska
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
Young Arctic Warbler with a band, Seward Peninsula, AlaskaYoung Arctic Warbler with a band, Seward Peninsula, Alaska.
Male Arctic Warbler singing on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Male Arctic Warbler singing on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaMale Arctic Warbler singing 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.
Male Arctic Warbler singing on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Male Arctic Warbler singing on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaMale Arctic Warbler singing 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.
American Tree Sparrow in low to medium shrub thicket habitat
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
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.
Savannah Sparrow sitting on a hummock in dwarf shrub meadow habitat
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
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.
Whimbrel in dwarf shrub meadow habitat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Whimbrel in dwarf shrub meadow habitat on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaWhimbrel in dwarf shrub meadow habitat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska.
Whimbrel in dwarf shrub meadow habitat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Whimbrel in dwarf shrub meadow habitat on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaWhimbrel in dwarf shrub meadow habitat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska.
Savannah Sparrow on a hummock in dwarf shrub meadow habitat
Savannah Sparrow on a hummock in dwarf shrub meadow habitatSavannah Sparrow 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 on a hummock in dwarf shrub meadow habitat
Savannah Sparrow on a hummock in dwarf shrub meadow habitatSavannah Sparrow 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.
Whimbrel feeding on a hummock of dwarf shrub meadow habitat
Whimbrel feeding on a hummock of dwarf shrub meadow habitatWhimbrel feeding on a hummock of dwarf shrub meadow habitat.
Whimbrel feeding on a hummock of dwarf shrub meadow habitat
Whimbrel feeding on a hummock of dwarf shrub meadow habitatWhimbrel feeding on a hummock of dwarf shrub meadow habitat.
Adult male Bluethroat with bands on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
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, Alaska
Adult male Bluethroat with bands on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaAdult male Bluethroat with bands on the Seward Peninsula in Alaska.
Black-capped Chickadee with lower elongated and upper curved beak
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
Black-capped Chickadee with lower elongated and upper curved beak
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
Black-capped Chickadee with lower elongated and upper curved beak
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. Over the past 26 years, Alaskans have witnessed a startling increase of beak deformities among Black-capped Chickadees and other species of resident birds.
Black-capped Chickadee with lower elongated and upper curved beak
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. Over the past 26 years, Alaskans have witnessed a startling increase of beak deformities among Black-capped Chickadees and other species of resident birds.
Black-capped Chickadee captured at an Anchorage banding station
Black-capped Chickadee captured at an Anchorage banding stationA Black-capped Chickadee with a normal beak captured at an Anchorage banding station.
Black-capped Chickadee captured at an Anchorage banding station
Black-capped Chickadee captured at an Anchorage banding stationA Black-capped Chickadee with a normal beak captured at an Anchorage banding station.
Black-capped Chickadee with a mildly deformed beak
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.
Black-capped Chickadee with a mildly deformed beak
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.
Slate-colored Junco
A Slate-colored Junco on Middleton Island, Alaska.
A Slate-colored Junco on Middleton Island, Alaska.
A Wilson’s Snipe
A close up of the head of 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.
Juvenile Northern Shrike. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Whimbrel on the tundra on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Whimbrel on the tundra on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaWhimbrel on the tundra on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska.
Whimbrel on the tundra on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Whimbrel on the tundra on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaWhimbrel on the tundra on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska.
Savannah Sparrow nest with eggs on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Savannah Sparrow nest with eggs on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaSavannah Sparrow nest with egg. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Savannah Sparrow nest with eggs on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Savannah Sparrow nest with eggs on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaSavannah Sparrow nest with egg. 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 beak that has grown long and curved down
Black-capped Chickadee with a deformed beak that has grown long and curved downA Black-capped Chickadee with a beak that has grown long and curved down. 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.
Black-capped Chickadee with a deformed beak that has grown long and curved down
Black-capped Chickadee with a deformed beak that has grown long and curved downA Black-capped Chickadee with a beak that has grown long and curved down. 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.
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government