One species whose numbers have declined rapidly in this area is the Greenfinch so it was a real pleasure to spot this one waiting to find a vacant perch on the seed feeder,
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Blackbird with a Crossed Bill
From time to time a bird is seen with a bill which has become distorted in growth. One such is this blackbird which has been visiting the garden for months. I would imagine it would be very difficult, if not impossible, for it to hunt for worms in the ground but it has learned to put its head on one side so it can pick up any seeds which drop from the feeders. So far it seems to have thrived well.
One species whose numbers have declined rapidly in this area is the Greenfinch so it was a real pleasure to spot this one waiting to find a vacant perch on the seed feeder,
One species whose numbers have declined rapidly in this area is the Greenfinch so it was a real pleasure to spot this one waiting to find a vacant perch on the seed feeder,
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It's probably just me but it always seems to be blackbirds that suffer mutation. Albino ones are not common but i must see one a year.
ReplyDeleteUnusual bill on that Blackbird John. Amazing how they manage to survive like that at times.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos of both birds John! I have read that in America in particular beak deformity is a growing concern and is becoming more so here too. I remember reading that the BTO are running a Big Garden Beak Watch so have looked it up and you might be interested to read about it here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bto.org/news-events/press-releases/big_garden_beak_watch
Unusual about the Blackbird John, its amazing how they adapt though. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteYou may be interested in this article John, It's an American study, but quite interesting. Your blackbird will survive, its bill isn't too deformed and as you say it is learning to feed sideways on... put some mealworms out too that'll help.
ReplyDeletehttp://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/NABB/v019n01/p0014-p0018.pdf
I've never seen a bird with a deformed beak like that; I'm glad it is able to adapt. The Greenfinch is a great photo too. Birds seem to have such expressions on their faces...
ReplyDeleteMaybe they are just more noticeable Adrian.
ReplyDeleteI see about one bird a year with a deformed beak Keith. They do seem to adapt.
ReplyDeleteHello Jan. I tried the BTO site but it was such a hassle trying to sign in I gave up.
ReplyDeleteThank you Roy. They do seem to be able to adapt and get on with life.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting read Andrew. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHello Glo. I see about one a year, usually Blackbirds. I love the expressions on the smaller birds' faces.
ReplyDelete