Bill deformation on Nuthatch

I've seen finches and cardinals as well as bluejays with deformed bills, but was surprised today when I saw a WB nuthatch with a deformed bill. On most birds I've seen it has not been this extreme.
From looking at the bird he seemed to be well preened, but I did not witness it eating or searching for food...just hanging out with other birds. I wonder what kind of impact this will have on it and if it will shorten it's lifespan or not.

I've wondered if the lifespan of birds with deformed bill were shortened too Doug, this is an excellent example of it too.

One that I saw in Florida that was this deformed was a Northern Mockingbird, I have no idea how it could preen or eat with such extensive deformation.

Doug:

Julie Craves has a great place to report bill deformities like this. I think nuthatches are rarely reported, so this should be documented. You do so at this URl:
http://www.rrbo.org/conservation-science/research/bird-banding/bill-deformities/

Doug,
I had seen that site when looking for info....but they are only wanting songbirds. From their website:
You may report bill deformities (primarily crossed or overgrown bills) in passerines (not woodpeckers, waterfowl, hawks, or other non-songbirds) to Julie Craves (jac AT rrbo.org);

Thanks for the interest & info though.

Mia, that is what puzzled me about this nuthatch. It has an extremely deformed bill yet appears to be well groomed. Not sure how much preening a nuthatch does but I've seen some...with bills intact..that have looked pretty scruffy. Plus, it came to the feeders but never ate anything, not even suet which I would assume might be easier for it.

I guess I just felt sorry for this little guy.

Doug,

Just an FYI, Nuthatches are passerines! Family Sittidae in the order Passeriformes.

Cool shot.

Drew

Julie has some White-breasted Nuthatches with deformed bills on the website, you can see photos of some.

Thanks everyone, especially Doug for Julies info and Drew for bringing to my attention that Nuthtach were indeed passerines. I'm not up at all as I should be of the genus of birds. I have contacted Julie and sent this pic. I'll let you know if she gets back to me.

Sound like you got some good recommendations here. I have only seen this a few times, most recently on a ruby throated humming bird. It's beak was crossed and had what appeared to be a tumor on the top. Didn't seem to slow it down any though.