Club-footed Crows?

[The Velvet Bulldog]

I know some of you folks are well-versed in these winged beasties and I noticed an oddity this morning with a couple that were in my back yard. They each had injured or disabled right feet. The feet were turned under so that they were hopping on the top of the foot–looked painful. Interesting to me was that they BOTH had this disability. We had a new batch of crows born this year and I’m wondering whether this could be a birth defect?

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[timeslid]

This is no birth defect. The injury is a result of rat traps being used as a perch deterrent. Pigeons are also affected. There are fewer injuries now then in the past as spike strips are more humane and more effective.

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[miws]

Several months ago, down at Seacrest, I was standing at the railing that overlooks the Water Taxi dock, looking out across the water.

A gull was standing on the railing, just a few feet away, and was there for quite some time. (I don’t recall which one of us was there first).

I glanced over at it several times, and it wasn’t until several minutes later that I realized it was missing one foot, still having the leg down to the “nub” of the ankle. (I think I had realized early on, from the quick glances, and peripheral vison, that it was standing on one foot, but just attributed it toward normal bird behavior).

After giving it some thought at the time, I thought I recalled the gull being mentioned here on WSB previously. I think I searched for it here, but don’t recall actually finding anything.

Mike

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[anonyme]

Actually, it could be neither bird defect nor rat trap. Avian pox is a highly contagious disease common among crows and other birds, including pigeons. The deformities often occur on feet, although growths around the eyes, face and beak are also common. Eventually the bird will either be blinded or unable to feed itself, and die.

While traps might be a possible cause, I doubt it – especially with crows. These are highly intelligent animals, and it would be unlikely that several related birds would fall for the same ruse – if any.

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[JustSarah]

Mike, I wonder if that was my “Nubbins”! Nearly two years ago I spotted a one-footed gull at Seacrest, and would see him there frequently. It’s been a while since I’ve been to that park, but I suppose it could still be the same guy. He doesn’t seem deterred by his lack of foot, does he? He’s as big as all his buddies.

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[miws]

That could be, Sarah! Do you recall if you posted anything about it here? The “name” sounds familiar.

And, yeah, it didn’t seem to deter him at all. I know animals are generally very good at adapting to disabilities, and need to be so as not to look weak to potential predators, but it’s still fascinating how they do so.

Mike

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