Hi folks,

Got this request on the Bird Band listserver, and am forwarding it in case anyone might help this biologist.

Jon. Anderson
Olympia, WA
festuca at olywa.net

----------
From: Keith Kimmerle[SMTP:progne at EBICOM.NET]
To: BIRDBAND at LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU
Subject: Literature Citations

Hi everyone,
I am looking for any citations involving birds with an abnormal number of
digits (toes). I banded a Purple Martin (_Progne subis_) sometime back
that had five toes - the fifth being a second aft digit attached to the
'primary' aft digit. I have found only one other citation of such an
occurrence that was documented in a Broad-winged Hawk (Coale 1887).

I'd appreciate any help on such information from any of the gray-literature sources such as regional/state/local journals or newsletters, as well as information on any known museum specimens. If anyone has information as to the disposition of this museum specimen, the Broad-winged Hawk was previously part of the collection of Henry K. Coale (No. 5924). I apologize for those of you receiving multiple copies as a result of cross-posting this message.

Thanks!
Keith Kimmerle
progne at ebicom.net
--------------------------------------------------------------------------