What's with this robin? - possible case of avian pox

American robin photographed with my iPhone - cropped and sharpened.

I wish I had my camera and long lens with me.  I knew something was going on with the robin right away.  It was at least 30 feet away, could fly, and seemed to be foraging in the usual way.  But when it turned its head, there was a pinkish mass surrounding the eye.  I had never seen anything like it.

The lack of detail hasn't helped, but it has at least provided evidence that something was wrong.  I looked up what it could be.  The most prominent theory was avian pox, although other possibilities included mites, finch eye disease, and cancer.  Of the four, avian pox was most likely the culprit, although most of the images from the search I did were different.  Below, I have included similar images I have found.

An image search turned up these birds with avian pox.

Avian pox is a viral disease that affects only birds.  There seem to be two types: a wet variety and a dry variety.  The wet variety, called diphtheritic pox, is the one that fits the best.  Without getting a better look or image, I am unsure.

Avian pox is very contagious.  Dirty bird feeders may hold the virus, and busy bird feeders may spread the virus to others.  Keeping your feeders clean is always a good idea, and if you have a busy one, consider putting up one or two more and spreading them out.  If you want to read more on avian pox, click the link provided.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com


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