Juvenile Frigatebird with Fishing Hook

[Axel Hildebrandt]

When I photographed this bird I couldn't figure out what it was that is sticking out of the lower mandible. On the big screen it became clear that it is a fishing hook. :(

[arash_hazeghi]

Yes Axel, my files shot the hook too, must have grabbed a fish with the hook ?

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I guess that he grabbed a fish. It looks as if he can deal with it.

[Dave Leroy]

It doesn't look good though. It looks as if the bottom of the mouth is torn a bit where the fish line goes in.

Also interesting how the fishing line goes into the bird's mouth. I wonder if the bait fish was double hooked?

Hopefully it is just one hook and it rusts off before causing too much trouble.

[James Prudente]

The hook appears to be either stainless steel or galvanized with a wire weed guard. Probably had a minnow or rubber bait on it when the bird took it. If it is debarbed the bird will work it out fairly quickly, if not it will take a while longer but should not pose a long term threat. It would be more of a threat if a length of leader were still attached to it, that could tangle around the bill and restrict the birds ability to capture and eat its prey.

Jim

[Dave Leroy]

Interesting James how the bird can work out a barbed hook.

[James Prudente]

Dave,

The bird will rub it on branches, rocks, etc. until it tears loose and comes out. Also the birds body chemistry will continue to have an erosional effect on the hook and the barb being a respectively fine point will rust away faster than the heavier portion of the hook. To preempt the next question re stainless steel not rusting. That is not true, stainless steel is not completely stainless and will rust over time and in salt water situations the process will be faster than in fresh water. In my long experience as a biologist, salt water fly fisherman and a fly shop and fishing travel business owner/operator I have observed the situations I have described here.

Jim

[Stephen Stephen]

Axel nice image. James thanks for the information, Let's hope that the bird makes it.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Thanks, James! Very interesting and good to know that this is not necessarily a major obstacle.

[VinceRossi]

What a great and unique photo.