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Recognizing Sick Birds by Appearance

Not every sick bird will show symptoms of an illness, but those that do can be easily recognized. A healthy bird looks clean and whole, often looking just like it would in a field guide or nature photograph.

Sick birds, however, may show several symptoms such as:

Dull eyes

Fluffed feathers when it is not cold

Swollen eyes or membranes

Wet or crusty eye, mouth or nose discharge

Dirty, matted feathers

Missing feathers

Visible injuries, lesions or wounds

While physical appearance can be a clear indication of illness, it can be difficult to see symptoms on small birds and some birds may not exhibit physical symptoms at all. In these cases, the bird’s behavior is a better way to gauge its health.

Recognizing Sick Birds by Behavior

A healthy bird is perky and alert, always active feeding, preening or otherwise doing what birds do. A sick bird, on the other hand, may show unusual behavior, such as:

Trouble breathing or rapid, puffing breaths

Reluctance or inability to fly properly

Excessive drinking

Sitting too still, even when approached

Drooping wings

Roosting in open areas, even on porches or patios

Limping

Head listing to one side

Squinting or seeming to fall asleep

Getting snapped at by other, obviously healthy birds

Not all birds that exhibit these types of symptoms are necessarily ill, but the behavior is unusual enough to warrant caution when dealing with the birds.