[Tweeters] Songbird talon affliction?

[Jill Freidberg]

I’m in Seattle’s Central District. This year, I have seen a nuthatch, a chickadee, a bushtit, and a junco all with the same deformity on one talon. In each case, the talon is curled up tight against their body and sort of misshapen. They don’t use it at all. This is not Avian Keratin Disorder. I’ve seen that, and it doesn’t look anything like this. Unfortunately, it is pretty close to impossible to get a photo of what I’m describing. Anyway, is this just a coincidence, or is there a virus/disease that could cause songbird talons to curl up and lose their function?

Thanks
Jill