Abstract
Bill deformities occur with low frequency among birds (0.5–2%). The deformity degree may influence several phases of the birds' life, from feeding to feather maintenance, the latter affecting thermoregulation, parasite proliferation, courtship and mating. We recorded three bird species, a pigeon, a hummingbird and an ovenbird, with similar bill deformity (crossed bill). This deformity affected a female Brazilian Ruby ( Clytolaema rubricauda ) with lower mandible skewed to the left, an unsexed individual and a probable female of the Picazuro Pigeon ( Patagioenas picazuro ) with similar deformity, and an unsexed individual of the Rufous Hornero ( Furnarius rufus) with upper mandible strongly twisted to the left. We hypothesise that possible outcomes due to crossed bill vary with the deformity degree, and the species, sex, and general habits of the affected birds.
Highlights
Bill deformities seem rare among birds, with recorded occurrence of about 0.5–2% (Craves 1994, Verea & Verea 2010)
We recorded three bird species, a pigeon, a hummingbird and an ovenbird, with similar bill deformity. This deformity affected a female Brazilian Ruby (Clytolaema rubricauda) with lower mandible skewed to the left, an unsexed individual and a probable female of the Picazuro Pigeon (Patagioenas picazuro) with similar deformity, and an unsexed individual of the Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus) with upper mandible strongly twisted to the left
We hypothesise that possible outcomes due to crossed bill vary with the deformity degree, and the species, sex, and general habits of the affected birds
Summary
Bill deformities seem rare among birds, with recorded occurrence of about 0.5–2% (Craves 1994, Verea & Verea 2010). The deformity degree may influence several phases of the birds' life, from feeding to feather maintenance, the latter affecting thermoregulation, parasite proliferation, courtship and mating. We recorded three bird species, a pigeon, a hummingbird and an ovenbird, with similar bill deformity (crossed bill).
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