For the last few years at this time of year, some of our greenfinches behave strangely. They fluff out their feathers so look bigger than normal, and just sit about - to the extent that you can get within 12inches of them before they move, and other birds like young starlings literally knock them off their perches. They're also easy prey to cats. Can anyone explain what's going on?
Also, we have a ring tailed parakeet that has just appeared in our garden. I know there are wild communities of these birds further south - we're near Worcester! Is anyone aware of wild parakeets this far north or is it likely to be a domestic escapee?
When birds sit around lethargically with fluffed-up plumage and don't fly away when approached, it's not a good sign - there is almost certainly something wrong with them. As it's affecting several birds, I'd be inclined to suspect an infectious illness of some kind. The RSPB has some advice here: http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/health/sickbirds/disease.asp
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Hi Jakpink and welcome to the forum,
I agree. It sounds like a disease, possibly trichonomiasis, which is lethal, nasty, and highly infectious. It affects finches, sparrows and doves.
Well done on spotting the parakeet.
Cheers, Linda.
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