Fledgling / Juvenile Magpie - blind & sick (1 Viewer)

[Warbl3r]

Hi Community,

I observed a juvenile maggie falling from a low tree branch.

On closer inspection it was blind in both eyes from a nasty looking growth that covered its’ beak also.

I kept it safe until a WIRES volunteer collected.

Does anyone know what causes this to happen?

See attached photo.

 

[Leafbringer]

Hi Warbl3r, looks like this unfortunate magpie had avian pox. Fortunately it is a treatable illness and the bird can survive.
Here's some info about avian pox here:

Avian Pox | Cornell Wildlife Health Lab

cwhl.vet.cornell.edu