Came across this Phoebe this morning at Peace Valley Park (Bucks County, PA). I don't think a young one would look this bad. Is this a case of mites? Prognosis?
I might add that behavior appeared normal.
Came across this Phoebe this morning at Peace Valley Park (Bucks County, PA). I don't think a young one would look this bad. Is this a case of mites? Prognosis?
I might add that behavior appeared normal.
Ed- Chewing lice (Mallofaga) eat feather material and an infestation could cause this sort of damage. However, the infestation itself is often caused by ill-health or morbidity in the individual, which may prevent it from doing all the things it should do to rid itself of these parasites.
Any other ideas? Any vets in the house?