Fleshy things on Baby Magpie's beak (1 Viewer)

[HeathPittYT]

Hello. I have noticed that a Baby Magpie that visits our house regularly has weird flesh coloured things next to the part of it's beak that joins into it's head. Is this cancer? Or is it normal. I reckon it's normal because (I think) Ravens have these when they are babies.

-Heath

 

[THE_FERN]

Hello. I have noticed that a Baby Magpie that visits our house regularly has weird flesh coloured things next to the part of it's beak that joins into it's head. Is this cancer? Or is it normal. I reckon it's normal because (I think) Ravens have these when they are babies.

-Heath

Yes. Most birds have these as fledglings. Sometimes, the precise colour and placement of these coloured bits are important for species recognition. Cuckoos (in the broad sense) may copy them to deceive the parents:

Mimicry and manipulation: how baby birds deceive their finch foster parents

 

[HeathPittYT]

Yes. Most birds have these as fledglings. Sometimes, the precise colour and placement of these coloured bits are important for species recognition. Cuckoos (in the broad sense) may copy them to deceive the parents:

Mimicry and manipulation: how baby birds deceive their finch foster parents

Thank you. I was worried it may have been sick.

 

[delia todd]

Hi HeathPittYT and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

 

[HeathPittYT]

Hi HeathPittYT and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

I'm sure I will as well. Thanks for the introduction!

 

[HeathPittYT]

Welcome to Birdforum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

Thank you!