Problem beak

[greenbunion]

Does anyone recognise the problem with this collared dove? Feeding from assorted seed didn't seem to be a problem.

[Mynydd Merlin]

Hiya,

Wow! see what you mean. I'm no expert but since you have had no other replies I'll take a shot. Does not seem to be a traumatic injury (no obvious injuries around the beak or face area) could be developmental (I'd guess probably not genetic). Apparently does not affect the birds ability to feed so no reason why it should not continue to survive if not breed (At this time of year it could in fact have a brood!)

All in all an interesting bird that looks as though it knows it is a collared dove and no reason to doubt it should go on to live a fulfilled life.

Okay - having said that, experts please shoot me down!

[KnockerNorton]

Hmm, interesting one. It could be traumatic, i.e its flown into a window and smashed it, but the remaining bits look deformed rather than broken to me.

I think it might be a fungal attack that has eaten away the bill, probably around the nares, and affected the regrowth. A bit like those fungal infections people get on their toenails.

[London Birder]

have seen a very similar thing on a Starling this spring, odd needle like upper mandible (and about a 3rd the length of the lower, though in that case the lower bill looked fine) .. it too fed without any problems, by tilting it's head to one side and utilising it's tounge and lower bill to pick up scraps I threw to it