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Keith S Spangle
Santa Clara, NM, USA
For the last month I have been seeing sick Cassin’s Finches. The ill birds appear lethargic and puffy, but lack the swollen eyes and/or sores that characterized other ailments. I once saw a House Finch with the same symptoms. The illness seems to last about three days before killing the bird. Generally I only see one sick bird at a time…the illness does not seem to be widespread and, so far as I can tell, only affects the Cassin and House finches.
Sick behavior
Category: Sick behavior
Sick Cassin's Finch
Yes, I’ve just isolated a female with those symptoms. I do hope this is not an epidemic for them. She’s resting, has food and water, but seems content to put the head under the scapulars and do nothing.
Hi Hannah, Please contact a certified wildlife rehabilitator. Caring for wild birds without a permit is against federal law. Disease is common in birds and some can recover from it – you can learn more here.
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