Pine Siskins dying can be alarming for bird lovers. However, there are usually explainable reasons for Pine Siskin deaths. In this article, we will explore the most common causes of Pine Siskin mortality and what you can do to help prevent deaths.
Common Causes of Pine Siskin Deaths
Here are some of the most frequent reasons Pine Siskins die:
– Salmonellosis – This bacterial disease is a major cause of Pine Siskin deaths, especially when the birds gather in large flocks at feeders where the disease can spread rapidly. Symptoms include lethargy, ruffled feathers, labored breathing, and diarrhea.
– Aspergillosis – A fungal infection often caused by damp conditions, Aspergillosis causes breathing difficulties, weight loss, and neurological issues. It is frequently fatal if left untreated.
– Predators – Pine Siskins are vulnerable to predators like cats, hawks, owls, and snakes. Predation is a natural cause of death, especially among fledglings.
– Collisions – Pine Siskins occasionally die from crashing into windows or cars when the birds become disoriented.
– Starvation – Harsh winter weather can lead to starvation if natural food sources are scarce and backyard feeders are unavailable.
– Old Age – Pine Siskins in the wild generally live 2-3 years. At the end of their natural lifespan, they will eventually succumb to old age.
Preventing Pine Siskin Deaths
While we can’t protect Pine Siskins from natural causes like old age, here are some tips for reducing deaths from other factors:
– Regularly clean feeders with a mild bleach solution to prevent disease transmission.
– Provide shelter such as evergreens or roost boxes to protect siskins from predators and severe weather.
– Put up decals on windows that birds can see to prevent collisions.
– Keep cats indoors so they don’t prey on Pine Siskins.
– Offer consistent, reliable food sources in winter so birds don’t starve.
– Report any sick Pine Siskins to wildlife rehabilitators for possible treatment.
– Avoid crowding too many Pine Siskins at a single feeder, as overcrowding facilitates disease spread.
– Provide a water source like a birdbath so birds don’t get dehydrated.
Common Diseases in Pine Siskins
Two of the most frequent diseases among Pine Siskins are Salmonellosis and Aspergillosis. Here is more detail about each disease:
Salmonellosis
– Cause: Bacterial infection from the Salmonella group of bacteria
– Transmission: Through direct contact with infected birds or ingesting contaminated food/water
– Symptoms: Lethargy, ruffled feathers, labored breathing, diarrhea, death
– Prevalence: Major cause of winter Pine Siskin deaths, especially at crowded feeders
– Treatment: Antibiotics from a wildlife rehabilitator, disinfecting feeders
– Prevention: Cleaning feeders, rotating feeder locations, avoiding overcrowding
Aspergillosis
– Cause: Fungal infection often stemming from damp conditions
– Transmission: Inhalation of fungal spores
– Symptoms: Breathing issues, weight loss, disorientation, neurological problems
– Prevalence: A common Pine Siskin disease that frequently turns fatal
– Treatment: Antifungal medication from a rehabber, keeping birds dry
– Prevention: Proper ventilation, clean bedding, reducing overcrowding
Treating Sick Birds
If you encounter a Pine Siskin showing signs of disease, here are some steps to help:
Capture the Bird
– Approach carefully using a towel or box to gently contain the siskin. Don’t chase an ill bird.
– Wear gloves when handling sick birds to avoid transmitting contagions.
– Place the Pine Siskin in a ventilated box indoors while awaiting transport to a rehab facility.
Provide Supportive Care
– Give the Pine Siskin warmth, food, and clean water until it can be treated by a wildlife rehabilitator.
– Keep the bird in a quiet, low-stress environment away from potential threats.
– Monitor for worsening of symptoms until the bird receives professional veterinary care.
Contact a Rehab Center
– Locate and get in touch with your closest wildlife rehabilitation organization.
– Describe the Pine Siskin’s symptoms and condition to rehab staff.
– Transport the bird as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Timely care is critical.
– Provide any helpful details about where/how you found the siskin.
Preventing Window Collisions
Window collisions are a frequent cause of bird deaths for species like Pine Siskins. Here are some ways to help prevent window strikes:
Apply Visible Markings
– Use decals, tape, netting, or other markings on windows to make the glass visible to birds.
– Place markings no more than 2-4 inches apart so birds can differentiate windows from open air.
– Prioritize marking large, reflective windows and windows near bird feeders or vegetation.
Break Up Reflections
– Close curtains or blinds where possible to block reflections.
– Install external screens on problem windows to deter birds.
– Use UV-reflective liquid coatings that birds can see but humans can’t.
Move Feeders and Plants
– Position feeders and vegetation at least 3 feet from windows to give birds space to slow down.
– Don’t align feeders directly across from windows, as birds may fly directly at the reflection.
– Prune lower branches on shrubs near windows so birds don’t use them as launch pads.
Protecting Pine Siskins from Predators
Pine Siskins are vulnerable to various native predators. Here are tips for reducing predation risks:
Keep Cats Indoors
– Cats are a top source of bird mortality. The only way to fully protect birds is to keep cats inside.
– Consider using leashes or enclosed “catio” spaces if you want your cat to experience the outdoors safely.
Discourage Hawks and Owls
– Install owl boxes or raptor perches away from your property to give predatory birds an alternative perching spot.
– Use scare devices like flashing lights or sounds to startle hawks and owls who perch near your feeders.
– Provide dense, thorny cover shrubs and trees to give small birds escape routes.
Protect Ground Feeders
– Use feeders with predator guards or cages to prevent ambush by cats and snakes.
– Position ground feeders in open areas away from dense cover where predators hide and wait.
– Suspend feeders on cables or poles to make access difficult for predators.
Bring Birds in at Night
– For birds in rehabilitation, keep them indoors in secure cages overnight when predators hunt.
– Construct outdoor aviaries with full roofs and small mesh to exclude predators after dark.
Providing Shelter from Severe Weather
Harsh winter conditions can be dangerous for Pine Siskins and other backyard birds. Here are some ways to provide protective shelter:
Evergreens and Thicket Trees
– Evergreens like spruce and pine give shelter from wind, snow, rain, and cold.
– Thicket-forming trees like laurel and holly create dense cover.
– Ensure roosting trees are close to winter food sources.
Nesting Boxes
– Leave up nest boxes as winter roosts with drainage/ventilation holes to stay dry.
– Small-holed boxes offer insulation; wood duck boxes have suitable cavities.
– Pack boxes with cedar shavings; don’t use straw or hay that retains moisture.
Roosting Pockets
– Install purpose-built roost pockets on buildings, trees, or poles.
– Face openings away from prevailing winds; allow drainage holes.
– Ensure openings allow Pine Siskins entry but exclude larger species.
Brush Piles
– Use pruned branches to create loose brush piles near feeders.
– Keep brush off the ground with pallets to prevent frost buildup underneath.
– Site brush piles near trees to allow quick escape from predators.
Offering Reliable Winter Food Sources
A steady winter food supply is crucial for Pine Siskin survival during harsh weather. Here are some feeding tips:
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
– The prime winter food for Pine Siskins due to high fat and thin shells.
– Offer sunflower seeds in mesh feeders that minimize waste.
– Consider sunflower seed cakes or chips for easier feeding during snow/ice.
Nyjer Seed
– Small nyjer seeds suit Pine Siskins and deter larger birds.
– Use nyjer in specialized feeders with small ports.
– Nyjer has less fat than sunflower seeds, so offer both.
Suet
– Suet provides concentrated calories to maintain body heat.
– Offer suet in cage feeders to prevent consumption by predators.
– Use rendered suet rather than raw fat, which can smear feathers.
Fruit
– Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries and currants provide quick energy.
– Chopped fruit and berries can supplement seed mixes.
– Don’t offer moist fruit that could freeze and turn sticky in cold weather.
Food Type | Benefits |
---|---|
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds | High fat, thin shells, Pine Siskin favorite |
Nyjer Seed | Small size suits Pine Siskins, deters large birds |
Suet | Concentrated calories provide warmth |
Fruit | Dried fruit has quick energy; avoid moist fruit |
Avoid Overcrowding
– Spread feeders out over a wide area to prevent crowding and disease transmission.
– Provide multiple small feeders rather than one large feeder.
– Remove any old or emptied feeders so birds don’t congregate at them.
Reporting Sick Birds to Rehabilitators
If you observe sick, injured or dying Pine Siskins, timely reporting to wildlife rehab facilities is crucial. Here are some tips:
Identify Rehab Organizations
– Search for “wildlife rehabilitation” plus your state or region.
– The Humane Society, Audubon Society and state wildlife agencies can provide referrals.
– Save contact info for rehabbers in your phone and keep their numbers handy.
Observe Details
– Note the specific symptoms and condition of the bird before contacting rehabbers.
– Photos or videos can help rehabbers make an assessment.
– Watch for labored breathing, lethargy, diarrhea, discharge or other signs of illness.
Provide Location Info
– Details about exactly where you encountered the sick Pine Siskin are very helpful.
– Date and time found provide useful context about symptoms and timeline.
– Noting nearby potential disease sources like feeders or ponds assists rehabbers.
Transport Birds Promptly
– Sick birds require quick diagnosis and treatment to have the best odds.
– Follow rehabber instructions about safe handling and containment during transport.
– If unable to transport yourself, offer to assist with coordinating volunteer transport.
Following Proper Handling Precautions
When dealing with ill Pine Siskins, following some basic precautions can help avoid disease transmission:
Wear Protective Gear
– Wear gloves when handling sick birds to prevent contact with pathogens.
– Use a disposable face mask if the bird could have a respiratory illness.
– Disinfect any clothing, shoes, or equipment that touch the sick bird.
Isolate Birds
– House sick Pine Siskins away from other birds to prevent disease spread.
– Dedicate cages, food bowls, and supplies just for sick birds. Don’t share with other birds.
– Keep isolation areas easy to disinfect, such as tile floors rather than carpet.
Limit Contact
– Only handle and interact with sick Pine Siskins when necessary.
– Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling isolated birds.
– Shower and change clothes after working with sick birds to avoid carrying illness.
Monitor Other Birds
– Watch any birds potentially exposed to sick Pine Siskins closely for developing symptoms.
– Isolate and get prompt veterinary testing for any birds showing signs of illness.
– Consult rehabbers about appropriate quarantine periods and precautions.
Disinfecting Feeders and Other Surfaces
Eliminating disease agents on feeders, bird baths, and cages is key. Here are tips for effective disinfection:
Soap and Water
– Use mild dish soap and hot water to remove organic waste allowing disinfectants to work.
– Soak/scrub items thoroughly before applying disinfectants.
– Rinse all soap residues off completely after cleaning.
Bleach Solutions
– Mix 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water for an effective disinfecting solution.
– Non-porous surfaces like metal, glass, and plastic can be soaked or sprayed with dilute bleach.
– Rinse all items thoroughly after soaking to prevent corrosion.
Vinegar
– White distilled vinegar can help dissolve hard water deposits and mineral buildup.
– Use a 50/50 vinegar/water solution and rinse thoroughly after application.
– Only use vinegar on feeders/surfaces that won’t be degraded by acidity.
UV Light
– UV sanitizing wands effectively kill microbes without chemicals.
– Use according to manufacturer instructions to disinfect entire surface areas.
– Portable UV boxes can also sterilize small items if soaked for adequate time.
Replace Damaged Items
– Discard and replace any feeders or accessories too worn or degraded for effective cleaning.
– Porous natural wood feeders are difficult to fully disinfect if disease contaminated.
– Replace questionable items to be safe.
Conclusion
Preventing Pine Siskin deaths involves understanding common diseases, predators, and environmental hazards. Providing clean feeders, protective shelter, and consistent winter food sources can help reduce mortality. Being prepared to properly handle sick birds and report them to rehabilitators is also key. With attentive care and bird-friendly habitat, you can help Pine Siskins survive winter in your backyard.