Bill deformities in Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus percnopterus): a noteworthy record from Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Beak deformities may be permanent or temporary and are caused by various factors. Despite its vast geographical area in India, there has been little research on beak deformities in wild birds, and few cases have been reported. In the present study, we described, as far as we know, the first known report of a beak deformity in the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus percnopterus) worldwide. On 6 January 2014, the first author (HP) recorded the Egyptian vulture with a heavily deformed bill on the garbage dump in Jorbeed, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. The causes of the bill abnormality in this individual are unknown, but our record increases the knowledge of the presence of development deformities in Egyptian vultures. We highlight the importance of photographs as a valuable tool for documenting bird beak deformities. In conclusion, we encourage other researchers to report the records of beak deformities, which is necessary for a better understanding of this phenomenon and its insights into the ecological and physiological implications of this condition considerably affecting bird survival.