Registros de deformación de picos en carpinteros (Picidae)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59517/oc.e617Keywords:
Caldas, Colombia, Melanerpes, Risaralda, Avian keratin disorderAbstract
Beak deformity in wild birds is a rare condition associated with Avian Keratin Disorder (AKD), which is characterized by abnormal beak growth due to excess keratin production. Although it affects less than 1% of birds within a population, it has been documented in at least 200 species globally, with higher prevalence in the Northern Hemisphere. We report the first cases in Colombia, in two woodpecker species (Melanerpes rubricapillus and Melanerpes formicivorus), bringing the total number of Picidae species affected to 20. While most records correspond to passerines, it has also been observed in other orders. Possible causes include infections, nutritional deficiencies, and viral exposure. This condition may compromise key functions such as feeding and communication. Further research is needed to assess its ecological and health impacts.
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