Find out what Project FeederWatch is, its history, and more
Find out how you FeederWatch, when you can FeederWatch, and what you'll need to do to get started
Review these instructions carefully before you count and enter data
Find out about types of feeders and types of foods, and where to place your feeder
Feeding Birds FAQs
Explore the winter distribution, food, and feeder preferences of common feeder birds.
Find out about color and plumage variations, bald heads, and deformed bills
Unusual Birds Gallery
Find out about bird disease and identifying the signs of bird disease
Sick Birds Gallery
Find out how to identify birds and download identification tools
Learn how to help birds as they seek out food sources, nesting habitat, protection, and more
Find educational resources for teachers, group leaders, and families
Find an article archive packed with lots of great bird study information
Learn about house finch eye disease
Review content from current and past BirdSpotter photo contests
Keep up to date with the latest FeederWatch happenings
These are exemplary FeederWatchers!
Send us your photos! Show us your count site, your birds, or you watching your site with loved ones!
Visit our live FeederWatch feedercams!
Cornell Lab of Ornithology feeders
Ontario (winter only)
See what birds occur the most by region
Explore species by state/province
See where FeederWatchers are
Graphs of regional population trends and distributions
Explore papers that have used FeederWatch data
Lab scientists analyze the data submitted by FeederWatch participants.
See birds well outside their winter range submitted to Project FeederWatch.
Start here for data entry and personal data review and exploration
Keep live track of your counts using the FeederWatch mobile app
Curtis Kinchen
Bellevue, WA, USA
I spotted this Pine Siskin on my feeder and it seemed pretty lethargic. Eating, but also seemed to be sleeping on the feeder and nearby tree. Not moving or being as active as other Pine Siskins. I thought it might be pregnant, but perhaps it is ill.
Sick behavior
Pine Siskin on feeder. Abnormally "fat".
Hi! I have a similar issue. Hoping to hear some feedback from anyone who may know what this behaviour is communicating.
Hi folks, Based on your description, this bird is indeed sick. This year, many finches and other boreal birds are “irrupting” south, as they do periodically in response to food shortages in their typical winter ranges. Unfortunately, salmonella outbreaks often coincide with irruption years, and there is currently an outbreak in the Pacific Northwest. Typically, we recommend that anytime a sick bird is seen at feeders, folks should take feeders down and clean them. Because of this outbreak however, it may be best to also keep feeders down for a week or two to help the sick birds disperse, especially if you live near the outbreak area, or check with local authorities for specific guidance. If you’re participating in Project FeederWatch, it’s ok to simply skip counting for the days that your feeders are taken down. Learn more about sick birds and how to clean your feeders here.
I also have a sick pineskin—very lethargic, puffed up looking for long periods and lower abdomen seems bloated and heavy. He lies in the shelf of the feeder for thirty minutes or more at a time. Appears to be Eating constantly but actually a lot is being just manipulate and allowed to fall out of the mouth. Five others with him seem healthy, slender and bopping around a lot. I removed all the feeders and disinfected the area and will withhold them for two weeks. This is in northeast Arkansas.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.