Beak Abnormality in European white stork (Ciconia ciconia): A record from Ummendgunj conservation reserve, Kota, Rajasthan

Abstract

European White Stork belongs to the family Ciconiidae. It is rare winter migratory bird in India. European White Stork is distributed in Europe, Africa and Indian subcontinent. Beak deformities may be permanent or temporary and are caused by various factors. Despite its vast geographical area in India, there has been limited research on beak abnormalities in wild birds and few cases have been reported. In the present study, a beak abnormality in European White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) has been reported first at worldwide level as reviewed from many research paper. The present research paper reports first photographic evidence of Avian Keratin Disorder from Ummedgunj Conservation Reserve, Kota, Rajasthan. The present study is the first scientific study confirming this disorder through photographic evidence. The importance of photographs as a valuable tool for documenting bird beak abnormality has been highlighted here.