Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia) with Bill Abnormality

Observation by Melissa Good:

A thick-billed murre (Uria lomvia) was spotted in Unalaska Bay with what appeared to be a bill abnormality. While murres are common in this area, bill abnormalities are rarely seen. These photos were taken with a GoPro through binoculars on a skiff and are of the highest quality available.

Approximate location:

53* 53.6’ N

166* 34.7’ W

1230 hrs AKST

Dr. Kimberlee Beckmen, Wildlife Veterinarian at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, writes:

It is very hard to tell from the blurry photo. However, the differentials for this would be poxvirus or other virus, trauma, tumor or congenital abnormality. Being on top of the bill, unless it interferes with vision, doesn’t appear to be an issue for the bird. If viral or trauma in origin, it will resolve on its own.