My nestlings are due to fledge this weekend. They are poking their heads out the nest hole and calling for the parents as they fly in. Been checking them out with my binoculars while 2 nestlings had heads hanging out the hole and noticed that 1 has a grey beak and the other's beak is very yellow (same shape). Is this odd?
The nest is by an ASY pair and I know from nest checks that 5 eggs were laid on 5 consecutive days in this nest. 4 of the five eggs hatched and I have been monitoring these four chicks since they hatched. I'm just surprised the beak colors look so different.
Different Color Beaks on Nestlings About to Fledge
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Guest
That is perfectly normal. Glad to hear you have martins fixing to fledge. Is there anyway you can post a picture?
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Laverne
- Posts: 2216
- Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2004 1:58 pm
- Location: TX/Alvin
- Martin Colony History: Erected 1st house in 1997. Birds were checking it out before Mike got down from the ladder. Six cavities had a little colony 1st year. Grown to 88 cavities all gourds with near 100% occupancy. Most important factor for success is rain = bugs.
Hello HogWild.
You may even have a "runt" in that cavity. They develop at a slower pace than their siblings and the yellow rimming their mouth would be more distinct in the one that is "a little bit behind".
If he's big enough to be hanging his head out the entrance - I'd say he will be just fine.
Good luck on your fledging - have a Happy 4th. God Bless America!
You may even have a "runt" in that cavity. They develop at a slower pace than their siblings and the yellow rimming their mouth would be more distinct in the one that is "a little bit behind".
If he's big enough to be hanging his head out the entrance - I'd say he will be just fine.
Good luck on your fledging - have a Happy 4th. God Bless America!
Sincerely,
Laverne
Laverne