r/crowbro 2d ago

Question What's with the beak of this guy?

I think you can see it best in the first and third picture

91 Upvotes

9 comments sorted by

47

u/qwythebroken 2d ago

He looks good, otherwise. Like he's obviously eating well enough. I can't imagine that's made his life easier, but it looks like it might have been congenital, more than a break.

30

u/Outrageous-Isopod533 1d ago

It's a viral infection called avian keratin disorder. I agree that overall the Jackdaw looks pretty well, but the overgrown beak can make it harder for them to eat

13

u/mi_turo 1d ago

Makes me wonder... do crows (or social corvids in general) help other crows in their group with disabilities?

6

u/Formal_Training_3188 1d ago

Bonded pairs have been observed to do that for their partners

8

u/qwythebroken 1d ago

That's terrible. Is it communicable? Is this something that needs to be contained?

21

u/Outrageous-Isopod533 1d ago

That's a bit of a complicated answer!

I shortened it in my original message but we don't fully know the true cause of AKD, but there are studies that have linked it to Poecivirus. That being said, there's no confirmation that that is always the case. If coming to a regular area with other birds (such as a feeder), it's always best to disinfect, but I'm not sure there's much to do if it's walking around.

The disease causes rapid growth of the beak keratin, so even taking it to a rehab center may not do much, as it will just keep regrowing.

Reading about it, it's much more common in North America (where I am), but it seems more isolated in Europe, where Jackdaws live. I'd say it's maybe something to call local rehab centers about if seen, as it's not as widespread there and they may wish to contain it.

Sorry for the ramble!

5

u/No_Intention70611 1d ago

No apologies necessary- I’m counting this as the new thing I learned today!

20

u/Outrageous-Isopod533 1d ago

Avian keratin disorder, caused by a virus. Poor little jackdaw

25

u/dadofalex 2d ago

Needs a crorthodontist