Injured or Sick Dove

This white-winged dove showed up at my feeder yesterday. When I saw its head, I first thought it was a bit late molting; but upon closer inspection I think it may have some type of disease. I've seen several birds that were attacked by hawks, roadrunners, cats, etc.; but this really doesn't look like that type of injury to me.

I'm concern that if this is some type of disease it could possibly spread to my other birds. Anybody got any ideas about what's going on? Suggestions on what I should do?

Jane

This message was edited Apr 10, 2008 11:28 AM

Do you think it could be feather mites? It is pretty extreme though.

Pelle

I think you may have nailed the problem. I just looked up "feather mites" on the web. Since a bird can't preen its own head, mites will often target that area. A severe cases of mite infestation can lead to total baldness. Just to be on the safe side, I'm going to go buy some mite and lice spary and use it on and around my feeders. Hopefully, I can prevent them from spreading to the other birds.

Thanks,
Jane

I got this pic a few days ago of a Mourning Dove with a big problem. Looks' like a tumor.

OMG! Poor thing.

All the birds around here seem really unhappy this spring. They are preening and scratching like I've never seen them do. I had a weird nearly black Mourning Dove that had bald spots. It hasn't rained here at all, so the thrips have been really bad on my roses. We also had a really mild winter. I'm guessing that the lice might have enjoyed this weather too. Like you, I wish I could help more.

Jane, I thought this could be a neat thread for posting pic of sick birds. I got a pic today of a grackle with a bump on it leg, like the one GP posted.

Then my BF has feather mites because he has the beginning of the same kind of spot on top of his head.... Going out to get spray now...lol

LOL Shan, I know a lot of males with that problem. It seem to affect more males species then the females.