What happened to this bird? - Ask Extension
Female house finch with top half of beak missing. I have 4 feeders and want to make sure it's not contagious.
Knowledgebase
What happened to this bird? #876814
Asked July 11, 2024, 11:45 AM EDT
Female house finch with top half of beak missing. I have 4 feeders and want to make sure it's not contagious.
Yamhill County Oregon
Expert Response
An increase in beak abnormalities observed in Alaska led to an ongoing research program to understand its origins. Poecivirus appears to be associated with many cases, but much is yet unknown, including transmission pathways. Here's a link to one of the key researchers' sites:https://www.usgs.gov/centers/alaska-science-center/science/possible-causes-beak-deformities
Beak abnormalities are not distinctly listed on Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW's) wildlife health page, but you might still report at their hotline
To report sick or dead wildlife, call your local ODFW office or the Wildlife Health Lab toll free number<personal data hidden>)
I have not found any advice about feeders beyond admonitions to keep up with regular, systematic cleaning & disinfection of feeders followed by good handwashing hygiene.
Beak abnormalities are not distinctly listed on Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW's) wildlife health page, but you might still report at their hotline
To report sick or dead wildlife, call your local ODFW office or the Wildlife Health Lab toll free number<personal data hidden>)
I have not found any advice about feeders beyond admonitions to keep up with regular, systematic cleaning & disinfection of feeders followed by good handwashing hygiene.
