The poor bird in this photo was very ill. I think he had Trichomoniasis. I found him on the ground, looking up at me with pathetic eyes, pleading for help. His head looked very wet, as can be seen in the photo. He was so tame he sat on my foot for 5 minutes before landing on a bird bath. He did manage to have a drink, and eventually flew off. I made sure I thoroughly cleaned out the bath and the areas he had been. I am very new at bird identification. Is it a greenfinch or a siskin?
Cheers, Linda.
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I would say male siskin - poor wee thing!
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Hi,
I believe this is a greenfinch, could be a juvenile greenfinch. Siskins have a lot more black markings on their wings. From this photo and what you saying I would also say that it is trichonomasis. I had a greenfinch in my garden suffering of trichonomasis and it looked the same way and acted the same way. A week or so after having first seen it, I found it dead in the garden. I started a thread on that, its in All creatures, the thread is called trichonomas killing the greenfinches.
No matter when you saw that bird, it would be good to report it to the RSPB (the link is on the thread I started, or their website). There are presently doing research on trichonomasis and that would help them monitor the spread among other things.
You should also make sure that your feeding stations/bath are all clean. What is advised is to stop feeding the birds/stop providing them with water, once you have clear identification of birds infected by trichonomasis.
Hope that helped
Hello Isabel,
I originally thought he was a siskin, then changed my mind to greenfinch.
It happened in August. I only started feeding and learning about birds in May this year, and at the time I knew nothing about trichomoniasis, but did realise the bird was seriously ill, so I cleaned out and disinfected all the feeders and feeding/watering areas etc. but carried on feeding. I even washed my slipper that he sat on!
Later, I heard about trichomoniasis and read up about it on the RSPB website. This greenfinch is the only finch of any description that I have ever had in my garden so far, but I was worried because I read it can also affect sparrows, which I have by the dozen. Happily, I don't think there have been any more casualties amongst my garden birds and hopefully it was an isolated incident. I could never forgive myself if I was the cause of this disease spreading.
I will report it. Thanks Isabel.
Hi Sparrow,
Yes i does indeed look/sound much like Trichomoniasis from what you've said and seeing the image (btw it is an adult male greenfinch.)
To help us monitor the spread of this we would be very grateful if you could complete the attached Garden Bird Disease Monitoring Form to wildlife@rspb.org.uk
This helps contribute research data towards the Garden Bird Health Initiative (GBHi) - whom are a collaboration of professionals working to develop guidelines about how to best feed garden birds for their welfare and conservation whilst minimising disease and other risks.
Thanks very much!
Lloyd
Hi Lloyd,
I have completed the questionnaire and sent it off as you suggested. I hope it is of some help.
Thanks everyone,
Linda
Susan H said: Hi Lloyd, I have completed the questionnaire and sent it off as you suggested. I hope it is of some help. Thanks everyone, Linda
Hi Linda,
Many thanks for this much appreciated, I've added it to our results.