Subject: [Tweeters] beak abnormalities
Date: Jan 20 22:01:12 2005
From: Paul Hicks - PHicks at accessgrace.org


Tweets,

I suspect that any number of beak abnormalities have been encountered by birders. The most intriguing abnormality in my non-research-type experience was a Spotless Starling in s. Spain with a bill, as I recall, one-and-a-half to two times the length/depth of the head. The mandibles may have been assymetrical (ie, different lengths), but I didn't get a definitive look. I was never able to relocate the bird, but I assume the effects were not fatal since it had reached adulthood. It looked odd, to say the least!

Good birding!

Paul Hicks
Tenino, WA
phicks AT accessgrace.org
----original message------
From: "Greg" <pelican AT vei.net>
Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 20:33:40 -0800

Dear Tweeters,


In the most recent newsletter of the Falcon Research Group (FRG) there is an
article about discovery of serious beak abnormalities in 60 raptors (55
Red-tailed Hawks, 2 Rough-legged Hawks, 2 Peregrine Falcons and a
Ferruginous Hawk) mainly in the Pacific Coast and NW. This message
paraphrases part of the article...