This blackbird cannot seem to close its beak at all, even when feeding. It does not seem to get very much food because it cannot peck at anything properly. Is it an injury of some kind or a quirk of nature?
Susha
It's probably an injury of some kind, if it can't get much food then it doesn't sound good for the birds future.
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
Hello Susha, As KatTai has pointed out, this bird may well have sustained an injury. Another possibility might be that this bird is suffering from Gape worm. Gape worm is a tracheal parasite found in blackbirds and other earthworm eaters. It moves from an earthworm to a bird and back to an earthworm. Birds with this complaint often appear to have their bills stuck open. This complaint can often regress and the bird can recover. There is no effective way of treating birds with this complaint and trying to catch an otherwise healthy bird with Gape worm, may cause more distress than needs be.
Thank you both for your suggestions, gape worm sounds (and looks) horrible and I have never heard of it before. My next door neighbour has badgers digging his lawn up for earthworms most evenings, so I am sure there are a few extra left over and the most likely culprit.
I am still seeing this blackbird after a week and a half of watching it, so at least it must be getting a little food. I will continue to see what happens.
Hello Susha,
Welcome to the forum. I wish your blackbird luck. Keep us in touch with his progress.
Cheers, Linda.
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Jennifer T said: Hello Susha, As KatTai has pointed out, this bird may well have sustained an injury. Another possibility might be that this bird is suffering from Gape worm. Gape worm is a tracheal parasite found in blackbirds and other earthworm eaters. It moves from an earthworm to a bird and back to an earthworm. Birds with this complaint often appear to have their bills stuck open. This complaint can often regress and the bird can recover. There is no effective way of treating birds with this complaint and trying to catch an otherwise healthy bird with Gape worm, may cause more distress than needs be.
When I volunteered at a wildlife hospital, we'd get quite a few blackbirds "hiccuping" with gapeworm. A course of panacur gets rid of the worm. But you're right that trying to catch a bird that can run and fly with no problems is near-impossible and very stressful!
A closed mouth gathers no foot.
Never heard of gape worm either! What a horrible thing...
As Sparrow says, please keep us updated with this one's progress!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
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I've never heard of it either. It does sound horrible.
Thanks MrsT, for explaining about Gape worm. As others have said, I had not heard of it, so very grateful for your explanation.
I hope your bird recovers, Susha.