26 January 2008

Several Devon Birds members have noted an absence of Greenfinches from feeders and bird tables this winter, while others have reported sick, dying or dead birds.

According to the RSPB there has been a significant outbreak this summer and autumn of trichomoniasis – a disease of the upper digestive tract – that affects Greenfinches in particular. Caused by a tiny parasite, the disease leads to gradual constriction of the throat, making it impossible for an infected bird to swallow food, eventually killing it through starvation.

According to the RSPB, "Birds with the disease show signs of general illness, for example lethargy and fluffed-up plumage, but affected birds may also drool saliva, regurgitate food, have difficulty in swallowing or show laboured breathing. Finches are frequently seen to have matted wet plumage around the face and beak. In some cases, swelling of the neck may be visible from a distance".

The parasite is easily transmitted when birds share food or water contaminated by infected droppings or saliva, so it is vital that garden feeding stations are kept clean. Please:

• make sure water is regularly replaced (not just topped up) in birdbaths and drinking bowls and that you clean out the container at the same time
• do not allow accumulations of old food, seed husks or droppings to build up
• wash feeders in hot soapy water from time to time
• wipe down birdtable surfaces with hot soapy water

This disease cannot be transmitted to humans or other mammals, including dogs and cats, but as a general rule it is wise to follow strict personal hygiene when cleaning feeders etc.

Questionnaire

Are your Greenfinches "missing" this year? Have you seen any sick or dying Greenfinches in Devon recently? If so email brief details of the place, the date and the circumstances by clicking here. You can download the RSPB's Garden Bird Health Initiative questionnaire by clicking here.