Diseased chaffinch??

[Nick Smith]

Saw a couple of chaffinches in the garden with white growths on both legs, the right foot looked like it was deformed too. Managed to make a short video through the spotting scope. Got distracted at the end by a greenfinch.

Would be interested to find out what is wrong with the bird.

Best viewed in 720HD fullscreen.

Chaffinch - YouTube

[Johnny81]

I think this is the disease known as Bumblefoot a bacterial infection.

[Dogghound]

This is Fringilla papillomavirus which as its name suggests is a disease of chaffinch and brambling, slightly different to bumblefoot. It is quite common and widespread in Britain (and Europe). In extreme cases it can result in the birds death but it is generaly not a major concern to the population as a whole.

[Nick Smith]

Thank you for the replies. Out of about 50 birds we have only seen a couple with this disease.

Cheers.

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by Nick Smith

Thank you for the replies. Out of about 50 birds we have only seen a couple with this disease.

Cheers.

In a very generalistic summary I would say it perhaps affects about 1 in 100 birds. It can have local fluctuations where a larger portion of the population has it then it tends to drop off. In about 300 chaffinch a year I see it in around 2-4 birds.

[Nick Smith]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

In a very generalistic summary I would say it perhaps affects about 1 in 100 birds. It can have local fluctuations where a larger portion of the population has it then it tends to drop off. In about 300 chaffinch a year I see it in around 2-4 birds.

We recently moved and our garden is visited daily by the flock. It is only since we have moved that we have been lucky to get to see them at very close quarters in large numbers (I consider 50 in my garden large numbers). This video was taken through the bedroom window about 10-15 feet away. I have seen plenty of chaffinch but never so close.

I can't wait to get the opportunity to get out in my hide in the garden and get to see them through the camera lens.

[Dogghound]

Keep an eye out as Brambling often associate with Chaffinch flocks, the white rump is often very obvious as they fly around.

[Kayleigh]

I have a dunnock with something similar in my garden.

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

I have a dunnock with something similar in my garden.

Some of these diseases can be quite similar but I suspect Avipoxvirus is most likely in a Dunnock, they tend to be quite prone to this group of viruses.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Some of these diseases can be quite similar but I suspect Avipoxvirus is most likely in a Dunnock, they tend to be quite prone to this group of viruses.

Cheers DH..