Which birds are at risk?
The new bird illness causing crusty eyes, tremors, and paralysis among songbirds in several East Coast states has been reported in some of the most common birds seen in suburban neighborhoods.
The mysterious songbird illness has been reported in more than 10 species so far, with four of the species being the most affected.
Those four songbird species are: ■ Blue jays
■ American robins
■ European starlings
■ Common grackles
■ The other songbird species that have been affected are:
■ Northern cardinal
■ House finch
■ House sparrow
■ Eastern bluebird
■ Red-bellied woodpecker
■ Carolina chickadee
■ Carolina wren
■ “These are common birds around people in suburban neighborhoods,” said Mass Audubon ornithologist Joan Walsh.
“These birds like big leafy suburbs, and will be even seen in some urban areas,” she said. “You won’t find them on a wooded trail.”
The mystery illness does not appear to be in gulls or hawks, Walsh added.
There have been no confirmed cases so far in New England, but Massachusetts officials are taking in reports of sick or dead birds. They’re also telling people to stop using bird feeders.