Greenfinches and Chaffinches found dead

Over the past three weeks I have had several E-mails and phone calls from readers and listeners about dead chaffinches and greenfinches being found dead in their garden. today I spoke to Kirsi Peck Wildlife Adviser RSPB Headquarters who was very helpful. Kirsi sent me the following E-mail which I hope will be of some help.

Garden birds can suffer from a number of illnesses. When a bird is not feeling well, it tends to fluff itself up (this does make them look rather 'fat' although the chances are that the bird is in fact very thin and undernourished because of the illness), becomes rather lethargic and is slow to respond to danger.

Without a post mortem it is not possible to say for sure what the bird has been suffering from. However, considering the species involved -greenfinches and chaffinches - the most likely infections are Salmonella
and Trichomoniasis. Salmonella outbreaks have been recorded in garden birds, finches and sparrows in particular, during the winter months for a number of years. Salmonella is a food poisoning bacteria, which is shed in the droppings of a sick bird. If these infected droppings mix with food, the infection can be passed on to other birds feeding in the same area.

Trichomoniasis is normally seen in collared doves and wood
pigeons, but this summer and autumn it has also been affecting
greenfinches. Tricho is a bird-specific protozoan throat parasite, which progressively blocks the throat of the infected bird, preventing it from swallowing its food. As the food is spat out complete with the parasite, another bird feeding alongside may pick it up and become infected.

It is important to exercise good hygiene around bird feeders regardless of whether there are sick birds around or not. Never allow uneaten food and droppings accumulate on bird tables and under feeders, but sweep it up regularly. Always clean away droppings, uneaten food and any other debris before putting out fresh food. At intervals, use a disinfectant to thoroughly clean feeders and all feeding surfaces. Also, make sure that bird baths are cleaned regularly and that fresh water is always available. In the event of a local disease outbreak, you may need to disinfect feeders and bird tables more frequently.

I hope this helps. If you have further queries, feel free to contact .Kirsi Peck Wildlife Adviser RSPB Headquarters Tel 01767 680551 Email [email protected]

The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for us all.