Handel, C. M., USGS Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, USA, colleen_handel@usgs.gov
Pajot, L. M., USGS Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, USA, lisa_pajot@usgs.gov
Van Hemert, C. R., USGS Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, USA, cvanhemert@usgs.gov
Anderson, C. M., Falcon Research Group, Bow, USA, bud@frg.org

THE MYSTERY OF THE LONG-BEAK SYNDROME

Large numbers of wild birds are developing gross beak deformities and the cause is still a mystery. We have documented more than 2,500 birds of 102 species exhibiting maxillary and mandibular overgrowth of the keratin layer with varying degrees of abnormal curvature and crossing. Parids, corvids, and raptors are the most frequently reported birds with such deformities, but a wide variety of other taxa is also afflicted. The reports have been concentrated in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, although birds with similarly deformed beaks have been reported from across North America and Europe. Beak deformities cause difficulties in feeding and preening, resulting in increased rates of mortality. Deformities affect both males and females but prevalence appears higher among adult birds. Testing of Black-capped Chickadees, the species with the highest reported rate, has revealed no evidence yet of disease, parasites, or contaminants as the cause. Current research is using a comparative cross-species approach at multiple levels. We are soliciting further observations of the long-beak syndrome and welcome ideas on what might be causing it.

http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/biology/landbirds/beak_deformity/index.html

Oral presentation

Session #:G10
Date: Friday, 8/8/08
Time: 11:45 AM

Presentation is given by student: No