Costa Rican -Injured BIRD !!!!

[stosh2010]

I was given another injured critter an hour ago.It's a Pechuga Amarilla ( Yellow Breast). It is a SONG bird, and sounds like a mockingbird, as it has many different calls.
It was caught by a worker,who told me it hit a window pretty hard. he is in a 5 gal. bucket, warm and dark, for an hour now. he is sitting up OK on an old shirt I put in there, but has one wing a little bit away from his body. Should I try to offer some liquids?? What is best?? How often would a bird need to be fed? It is fully grown.
can I use a syringe to feed?--- any solids at this point?

[Nancy in New York]

Do not give any water by syringe Stosh they aspirate easily. You can offer a small bowl of water.
I'm not sure what they would eat. Try some cut up fruit without the skin, cut it into tiny pieces. Put that within his reach also. See what happens, I will keep an eye on this thread, and see if I can find out information about this little one.:)

[stosh2010]

This sounds like my guy---but I'm not positive

Great Kiskadee
Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordate
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Tyrannidae
Genus: Pitangus
Species: P. sulphuratus
Binomial name
Pitangus sulphuratus
(Linnaeus, 1766)
Synonyms
Saurophagus sulphuratus Swainson, 1832


The Great Kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus, is a passerine bird. It is a large tyrant flycatcher; sometimes its genus Pitangus is considered monotypic, with the Lesser Kiskadee (P. lictor) separated in Philohydor.

It breeds in open woodland with some tall trees, including cultivation and around human habitation, from the Lower Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas and northern Mexico south to Uruguay, Paraguay and central Argentina, and on Trinidad. It was introduced to Bermuda in 1957, and to Tobago in about 1970.

[edit] DescriptionAdult Great Kiskadees are 22 cm (8.7 in) long and weigh 63 g (2.2 oz). The head is black with a strong white eyestripe and a concealed yellow crown stripe. The upperparts are brown, and the wings and tail are brown with usually strong rufous fringes.

The black bill is short ]( my bird 's bill isn't too short) and thick. The similar Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarynchus pitangua) has a massive black bill, an olive-brown back and very little rufous in the tail and wings. A few other tyrant flycatchers – some not very closely related – share a similar color pattern, but these species are markedly smaller.

The call is an exuberant BEE-tee-WEE, and the bird has an onomatopoeic name in different languages and countries: in Spanish-speaking countries it is often bien-te-veo ("I see you well!").[1][2]

The song and call of the Great Kiskadee.


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[] Ecology
The opportunistic behavior of the Great Kiskadee allows for it to flourish in most Latin American urban areas. Here a Kiskadee is feeding out of an unguarded bowl of dog's food. (Granada, Nicaragua)The Great Kiskadee is a common, noisy and conspicuous bird. It is almost omnivorous, and hunts like a shrike or flycatcher, waiting on an open perch high in a tree to sally out to catch insects in flight, or to pounce upon rodents and similar small vertebrates. It will also take prey and some fruit[3] from vegetation by gleaning and jumping for it or ripping it off in mid-hover, and occasionally dives for fish or tadpoles in shallow water, making it one of the few fishing passerines. They like to hunt on their own or in pairs, and though they might be expected to make good use of prey flushed by but too large for the smaller birds of the understory, they do not seem to join mixed-species feeding flocks very often. When they do, they hunt in the familiar manner. Such opportunistic feeding behavior makes it one of the commonest birds in urban areas around Latin America; its flashy belly and its shrill call make it one of the most conspicuous.[4]

The nest, built by both sexes in a tree or telephone pole, is a ball of sticks with a side entrance. The typical clutch is two or three cream eggs lightly blotched with reddish brown. They are incubated by the female.


This alert and aggressive bird has a strong and maneuverable flight, which it uses to good effect when it feels annoyed by raptors. Even much larger birds are attacked by the Great Kiskadee, usually by diving down or zooming straight at them while they are in mid-air. Harsh calls are also often given during these attacks, alerting all potential prey in the area of the predator's presence. If not very hungry, any raptor subject to a Great Kiskadee's mobbing behavior is likely to leave, as it is wellnigh impossible to make a good catch when subject to the tyrant flycatcher's unwelcome attention. In general, avian predators are liable to steer clear of an alert Great Kiskadee, lest their hunting success be spoiled, and will hunt the Great Kiskadee itself – though it is as meaty as a fat thrush – only opportunistically.


One of the diverse tyrant flycatchers resembling the Great Kiskadee in color is the aptly named Myiozetetes similisTo mammalian and squamate predators that can sneak up to nesting or sleeping birds, it is more vulnerable however. Even omnivorous mammals as small as the Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) will try to plunder Great Kiskadee nests – at least during the dry season when fruits are scarce – despite the birds' attempts to defend their offspring.[5] One of two birds studied in the Parque Nacional de La Macarena of Colombia was parasitized by microfilariae.[6]

The bright coloration of the Great Kiskadee makes it easy to recognize and as noted above, is shared by several other more or less closely related Tyrannidae. It is not known whether this apparent convergent evolution is a case of mimicry, and if so, whether the Great Kiskadee's pugnaciousness encourages some predators to leave birds with such colors well alone. Given that some Tyrannidae are alleged to taste bad, the color may also be an aposematic warning of noxious chemicals contained in the birds' meat. In a peculiar coincidence, the Foxface Rabbitfish (Siganus vulpinus) and related species have evolved a strikingly similar coloration and pattern; here it is almost certain that the colors are aposematic, as these fishes use a poisonous sting to defend themselves.

Not being appreciated as a songbird, the Great Kiskadee is not usually kept caged and therefore has escaped the depredations of poaching for the pet trade. Also, its feeding mostly on live prey makes it extremely difficult to keep in captivity. It is not considered threatened by the IUCN.[7]

[Nancy in New York]

Here's the link:

http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/greatkiskadee.htm
Great Kiskadee - Pitangus sulphuratus
Characteristics
Range
Habitat
Diet
Life Cycle
Behavior

Classification

Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Tyrannidae
Genus: Lanius




Click on the images for a larger view.


Characteristics
The great kiskadee is a large member of the flycatcher family. It is about ten inches in length. It has black and white stripes on the crown and sides of its head. It has a white line above its eyes. Its chest and undersides are a bright yellow and its throat is white. Its back and wings are brown and its bill and legs are black.

Range
The great kiskadee lives in open woodlands, streamside thickets, groves, orchards and parks.

Habitat
The great kiskadee can be found from extreme southern Texas south to Argentina.



Diet
The great kiskadee eats insects like beetles, wasps, grasshoppers, bees and moths. Despite the fact that it is a flycatcher, it also eats berries, seeds, mice, frogs, fish and lizards. It also will dive straight into the water to catch fish.
Life Cycle
Kiskadees are monogamous. A male will mate with only one female. Mating season begins in late March. The female great kiskadee lays two to five creamy-white and brown speckled eggs in a domed nest made of sticks, grass, moss and bark. The nest has a single entry hole and is lined with soft material like wool and feathers. The nest is usually built in a thorn tree or bush. Both parents defend the nesting territory and care for the young.

Behavior
The great kiskadee is named for its loud "kis-ka-dee" call. It travels in pairs and aggressively protects its nesting territory. One of its most feared predators is the coral snake and the kiskadee will stay away from anything that has the same color pattern as the coral snake.


Image Credits: Clipart

[Milo's Mom]

Stosh - regarding the water...just like Nancy said. If you do not see him drinking any, take the very tip of his beak and dip it in the water. JUST THE VERY TIP. When my sisters chickens are sick I help her get them medicated water and this is how she taught me to do it. Just the very tip of the beak into the water, then pull it back out. A little bead of water will be on the tip of the beak and the bird will drink it.
If other disagree and think it's best not to do this, please indicate as such.

[astra]

this is not a pigeon, but I am sure psychobird has managed so many birds that she could guide you in the care of this one.
She was a HUGE help with my pigi
Send her a pm

Yes, - no to giving water with a syringe (at least, that's what Jodi told me about the pigi)

[psychobird]

i wouldn't worry about the wing just yet
lets worry about the head trauma from the window strike
do you have any meloxicam/metacam???
i always give it to birds when they strike windows whether they have snapped out of it or not
do not put him on heat, keep him in a dark box in a quiet area and let him rest

[pappy1264]

Blueberries are good to try to offer, cut them in half. I don't know what their diet is, but if you have blueberries, you can put them in with him/her. He/she may come out of it suddenly and try to fly, so you will want to have it is something that is secure but it will not hurt itself (I doubt you have a reptarium, but if not, you can put the container inside a small tent, that way secure, but if it flies and hits the tent, it will not hurt itself any more. Jodi may be able to help, but I know she is crazy busy. I will send her a link to this post and tell her about it later, as she will most likely call me.

Songbirds are generally insectivores, so mealies and other bugs. But with a possible head injury feeding is tough. Hopefully Jodi can help.

[mudmaiden]

What a beautiful bird!! Its colors are gorgeous. You have the most beautiful colored animals in Costa Rica:thumbsup

[stosh2010]

He/she may come out of it suddenly and try to fly, so you will want to have it is something that is secure but it will not hurt itself (I doubt you have a reptarium, but if not, you can put the container inside a small tent, that way secure, but if it flies and hits the tent, it will not hurt itself any more. Songbirds are generally insectivores, so mealies and other bugs. But with a possible head injury feeding is tough. Hopefully Jodi can help.
The 5-gallon bucket is restricting any attempt at flight--and it has a secure cover with 1 inch open on one side. I don't have anything like a tent, maybe I can rig something with some sheets???
If he doesn't eat tonight...will he be OK ??? I know hummingbirds have to eat almost constantly. ( I have rescued and released 2 hummingbirds--so far)I hope he shows some more ALERTNESS when I get home from work tonite. Do they "go to sleep" at dusk and then not move around at all, during the night hours???

[stosh2010]

THANK YOU---Everyone--for your suggestions and advice--- I'm out of my element with this feather-head....

[astra]

I'm out of my element with this [COLOR="Sienna"][SIZE="6"][FONT="Arial Narrow"]feather-head....
can relate very much

[CritterMom]

Yes, he is diurnal which means that darkness will put him to sleep - they don't eat, drink (and often even poop) at night. Sometimes all they need is a chance to get their act together safely without having to elude predators and they can shake off the trauma of the impact. Let's hope...

[stosh2010]

Blueberries are good to try to offer, cut them in half. I don't know what their diet is, but if you have blueberries, you can put them in with him/her.
I don't have Blueberries but a staple is the Capuline berry, so I will squish up one and try it.

He/she may come out of it suddenly and try to fly, Songbirds are generally insectivores, so mealies and other bugs. But with a possible head injury feeding is tough. Hopefully Jodi can help.
This morning I took my bird-friend outside...he sat , then hopped, and didn't get too far . I put him back in his container. NO=WAY can he fly yet.

[CritterMom]

Gotta do some bug hunting for him Stosh.

[stosh2010]

i wouldn't worry about the wing just yet
lets worry about the head trauma from the window strike
do you have any meloxicam/metacam???
i always give it to birds when they strike windows whether they have snapped out of it or not
do not put him on heat, keep him in a dark box in a quiet area and let him rest
This morning I tried to feed some berries--peeled and squished...no LUCK. Same with the water. I dipped his beak in the water, then lifted him up so the bead of water was at the tip of his beak. he just sat there. I'm sure I scared the heck out of him.
Is there a maneuver to get them to drink & eat...or is his injury and fear and refusal typical.?
How long can a small bird go without nourishment. I do not want him to fade slowly and starve.!!!!

[CritterMom]

Stosh, can you get your hands on some long handled tongs, hemostats, needle nose pliers, tweezers - something like that. Head out and catch something like a moth or butterfly, then grab it by the wings with your tweezers, dip it into some water so the body is wet, and hold it out in front ofhim so he can see it moving. The long handles take you out of the equation a little if you can find something like that. Often the movement of the insect is enough. If not, using the body of the insect, smack his beak a little bit with it - sometimes that will p*** them off enough to snap it up.

[stosh2010]

Stosh, can you get your hands on some long handled tongs, hemostats, needle nose pliers, tweezers - something like that. Head out and catch something like a moth or butterfly, then grab it by the wings with your tweezers, dip it into some water so the body is wet, and hold it out in front ofhim so he can see it moving. The long handles take you out of the equation a little if you can find something like that. Often the movement of the insect is enough. If not, using the body of the insect, smack his beak a little bit with it - sometimes that will p*** them off enough to snap it up.
I'm off on a BUG-HUNT... Thanks...

[stosh2010]

I tried water
I tried a live butterfly
I tried fresh berries

So far he hasn't taken anything. If he is in shock, can he go another 24 hours without nourishment?

[stosh2010]

I took him outside and he seemd to perk-up a little...listening to the sounds of the critters and the wind. He hopped off my finger and just dropped to the sidewalk ( only a foot) He can't fly or hop very far. He would be a GONER in 10 minutes outside.
But if he doesn't eat---he'll be a goner, anyway, and I will be the one who failed him. His grip on my finger is strong, and I stroked him alot with out a resistance response. Any other ideas for feeding him???????????

[Nancy in New York]

I took him outside and he seemd to perk-up a little...listening to the sounds of the critters and the wind. He hopped off my finger and just dropped to the sidewalk ( only a foot) He can't fly or hop very far. He would be a GONER in 10 minutes outside.
But if he doesn't eat---he'll be a goner, anyway, and I will be the one who failed him. His grip on my finger is strong, and I stroked him alot with out a resistance response. Any other ideas for feeding him???????????

Stosh...try putting him in a darkish quiet room where he can still see and put several pieces of food about 4 inches away from him along with a small shallow bowl of water. He is not going to feel comfortable with you trying to feed him and pictures being taken, so no pictures...Just try that for a couple of hours. If he eats nothing....then you may have to try force feeding. We will talk about that later. Do you have any pet stores there that would sell nestling food....or food for hand raising baby birds?
One other thing that may be worth a try. You know how mom feeds the babies from above? Try putting something on the tweezers and coming from above and see if he opens his mouth then....:dono

[stosh2010]

Stosh...try putting him in a darkish quiet room where he can still see and put several pieces of food about 4 inches away from him along with a small shallow bowl of water. He is not going to feel comfortable with you trying to feed him and pictures being taken, so no pictures...Just try that for a couple of hours. If he eats nothing....then you may have to try force feeding. We will talk about that later. Do you have any pet stores there that would sell nestling food....or food for hand raising baby birds?
One other thing that may be worth a try. You know how mom feeds the babies from above? Try putting something on the tweezers and coming from above and see if he opens his mouth then....:dono
He is in the garage--the only room without A/C. I didn't want him cold. he's been quiet and alone for over 16 hours. He did not even move his beak for the bug or the water. i tried a light tap on the tip of it, but the beak stayed tightly closed.

[psychobird]

oh boy, you can try to force him if you can get that strong beak open
and put one big bug, blueberry, mellon, bits of peeled grape in his mouth at a time and see what he does
i don't like to give birds water they aspirate so easily but you may have to at this point, but the fruit will be safer if he swallows it
fill a syringe with warm water, put one or 2 drops on the tip of his beak and wait for it to wick into his beak, make sure he swallows before doing another drop or 2
be very very careful, if he doesn't swallow i wouldn't push it
the a/c in the house may actually help him out as long as it's not freezing cold
cool will help with brain swelling
i have actually iced thier heads before, 20 minutes every hour

you can put a pinch of suger and salt into a quart water, or use pedialyte

[stosh2010]

oh boy, you can try to force him if you can get that strong beak open
and put one big bug, blueberry, mellon, bits of peeled grape in his mouth at a time and see what he does
i don't like to give birds water they aspirate so easily but you may have to at this point, but the fruit will be safer if he swallows it
fill a syringe with warm water, put one or 2 drops on the tip of his beak and wait for it to wick into his beak, make sure he swallows before doing another drop or 2
be very very careful, if he doesn't swallow i wouldn't push it
the a/c in the house may actually help him out as long as it's not freezing cold
cool will help with brain swelling
i have actually iced thier heads before, 20 minutes every hour

you can put a pinch of suger and salt into a quart water, or use pedialyte
Thanks So Much for your advice--I will save all of everyone's suggestions for the NEXT bird I am brought.
However; after fixing a small plate of grapes & berries,and getting RamaMama to assist me in the OPEN the BEAK "trick" I found that he gently left us for a Better Place.
No fire ants, no cats, no rain. no iguanas, no fear,...just 24 hours in a warm, dark quiet, soft shirt nest, plastic bucket. I offered bugs and water a few times...but he was beyond that ( I guess) I took him outside at lunch time for natural light and fresh air and a few attempts at flight.
I guess it was "to be" but I am still upset. I have had mixed luck with injured birds here in CR.
I think I'll stick to FUZZ-HEADS.

[psychobird]

Window strikes r tough, just never know which way they are going to go
It's very difficult to help a unconscious patient
If they don't come out of it in a few hrs they are usually doomed
I'm sorry I couldn't be more of help
I'm overloaded here with demanding baby birds, and my phone is blowing up

[psychobird]

Injured adult birds r very difficult
If they are injured or sick enough to be caught they are in huge trouble

[CritterMom]

I'm sorry, Stosh. Birds are either really hard or really easy. My experience with those who have struck something is that they recover quickly or they don't recover at all. For some odd reason, the same bloodthirsty lot I work with also shuttle every bird that hits our building to me, so I get a half dozen a year. I do the same thing with all of them - hose their feet down with Rescue Remedy and "pack" them in a small cardboard box with paper towels so they are somewhat restrained and cover them and pop them into my desk. Dark, quiet, RR, and most are ready to take off again in a half hour. And some don't...

Adults are horribly hard. Babies are a snap.

I am sorry - he was really beautiful.

[stosh2010]

Injured adult birds r very difficult
If they are injured or sick enough to be caught they are in huge trouble

CritterMomot wre:
My experience with those who have struck something is that they recover quickly or they don't recover at all.

Thanks for the support
-I was worried about him ( or her) starving...
But I never wished for such a speedy conclusion