A call for observations of birds with sublingual oral fistulas in central and eastern Europe, and beyond

Abstract Birds with major physical abnormalities do not live for extended periods and, therefore, are rarely observed in the wild. This is particularly case birds defects their feeding apparatus that succumb to mortality rapidly through precipitous declines foraging efficiency and body condition. Sublingual oral fistulas such an abnormality involve development of opening (or fistula) floor cavity which tongue extends, resulting its permanent exclusion from mouth. The dehydrates dies. First described 2000s Stitchbirds (Notiomystis cincta) New Zealand, it has been reported other species. However, following our recent discovery two seabird species on Ascension Island South Atlantic displaying fistulas, 2016 I launched a citizen science research project requesting reports condition world’s avifauna. To date, have received 188 82 different many contributed western Europe. only one report central eastern Europe, am now assistance birders region parts world contribute this ongoing project.