Over the years I've seen a small number of LBBGs which have their tongues protruding from their chins. The theory is that the gulls have caught some sharp food, which when being swallowed pierces a hole in the bird's chin. I guess the bird then sticks its tongue in the hole as it must be an irritation...then the tongue gets stuck through the hole and can't be withdrawn. The birds do appear to survive and continue to breed...but the tongue is then compromised and movement severely restricted.
We recently caught such a gull on Burhou, Alderney. It was relatively easy to ease the tongue back and get it clear of the hole...but of course we do not know if it will poke it through the hole again.
Interestingly, I've never seen a Herring Gull or Great Black-backed Gull with this condition.
LBBG With tongue protruding from chin - then the hole when tongue eased back in to mouth (c) PKV
Dear paul:
ReplyDeleteReally interesting catch..... Was ringed this "Colombian Neck-tie" gull?.
I have seen several mich. and fuscus with this C.N. And I have one GBBG in my blog.
http://gaviotasyanillas.blogspot.com.es/2014/04/blanco-lah1.html
All the best
Antonio
Thanks Antonio - that's three gull species then so far. I wonder how many other birds encounter this problem?!
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes
Paul
Idk if you will see this but someone just posted on Reddit with a picture of a teen with the condition
DeleteDear Paul,
ReplyDeleteI am currently running a research project investigating the prevalence and causes of this condition which is a called a sublingual oral fistula. Details of the research project can be found at www.birmingham.ac.uk/oral-fistula. At that site you will find information about the project and a downloadable reporting form which I would love you to complete about the bird pictured and return it to me at J.Reynolds.2@bham.ac.uk.
All the best,
Jim Reynolds
I was watching a video on youtube and there was a seagull that survived with a hole on the side of it's neck. it ate food on the ground but food kept coming out of it's neck and it kept re-eating it. Any possible chance you know how this seagull survived? any chance you can think of a possibility how the seagull could have ended up with a hole in its neck? any chance you know if there's a possibility of the seagull was in pain? any chance you know if a vet could help the seagull? thank you!
ReplyDeletefrom Amy