Abnormal Mandible in a Flicker
Abnormal Mandible in a Flicker
The specimen of Red-shafted Flicker (Colaptes cafer collaris) pictured herewith was taken by two college students near Riverdale, Fresno County, California, February 16, 1936. (See fig. 26.) The bird was found on the ground in a stunned condition. It was curled up with the head under the body and the enormous mandible extending out behind. When taken into the house it revived and flew about. It would alight on the rough wall and peck with the elongated mandible.
Fig. 26. Red-shafted Flicker, with abnormal upper mandible 8.5 cm. long, taken February 16, 1936, near Riverdale, Fresno County, California.
Only a woodpecker with the food habits of a flicker could have lived to ‘be an adult with such a modified mandible. A meal of ants might just as easily be stirred up with this implement as with the ordinary mandible, perhaps better. The tongue was of normal length.
One of the difficulties the bid would likely encounter would be its inability to excavate resting and nesting holes. It would be dependent on holes it could find ready made. Another difficulty would be the care of the feathers. At least it would appear to be impossible for a bird with such a mandible to reach the preen gland or manipulate the feathers in preening. The bisd was heavily infested with lice.
The upper mandible measures 8.5cm. long, whereas a normal mandible is about 3.5 cm. long.
A. E. Culbertson
Fresno State College, Fresno, California, February 21, 1936
