Recognizing the Symptoms: Identifying Bird Diseases and Illnesses

Sick birds at feeders can be a cause for concern, as feeders are common places where birds contract diseases. The three most common diseases afflicting backyard birds are house finch eye disease, avian pox, and salmonellosis. Preventative measures include regularly cleaning feeders, avoiding accumulation of feces, using fresh seed, and temporarily taking down feeders if sick birds are present. Participating in citizen-science projects like Project FeederWatch can help researchers track bird diseases and understand outbreaks better.