goldfinch with a dodgey beak

[Stomperone]

Spotted this one on my feeder today.. It seems to have a problem with its beak..
It was feeding ok on the sunflower hearts I have out but it seemed detemined to have some niger .. though I cant see how it could..

[Jenny W]

This sort of condition does occur from time to time, but most commonly in Tit species. I believe it's most likely cause is uneven wear on the mandibles. Goldfinches which feed on very fine seeds (like niger) and have very fine bill tips in order to obtain and process these seeds may well find it more difficult with a deformity such as that - it seems to be doing OK though