bird egg
on 9th June 2009
Which bird egg is this, slightly smaller than chickens egg. Also is it likely the chick got out alive or did the crows get it and can you tell from the shell?
Other observations of Birds (Aves)
Comments
Grassland in the Lower
Grassland in the Lower Derwent Ings. There were crows around but I did not notice gulls.
Hello miked Were there
Hello miked
Were there Oystercatchers around? I am not 100% sure but that is my guess as to ID.
When a chick hatches it chips a circle around the egg from the inside with what is called an egg tooth. This drops off shortly after hatching as its only purpose is to enable the bird to hatch. Once completed the egg opens in two slighty un equal halves if that makes sense.
From the evidence in your photo this egg was opened from the outside and the contents eaten. It shows evidence of yolk as well. This is a food source for the growing chick and I am sure when a chick hatches there is not this amount of yolk remaining in the egg.
Regards
Andrew
burhinus
There were certainly Curlews
There were certainly Curlews nesting but possibly a range of other species too
Bird Egg
Hello miked.
Looking at the way the egg shell has been opened I would say the egg most certainly did not hatch. This egg has been eaten by some kind of predator. It could have been a crow, or gull.
What kind of habitat was it found in?
Regards
Andrew
burhinus