Sublingual fistula in a masked booby (Sula dactylatra) and possible role of ectoparasites in its etiology.

ABSTRACT

A sublingual fistula is an opening through the ventral skin of the buccal cavity through which the tongue can protrude. The cause is unknown. Masked Boobies (Sula dactylatra) are the third avian species to be reported with this condition. We argue that ectoparasite infestation of hatchlings may be an initial cause.