Page 29 - Veterinary diagnostic imaging birds exotic pets wildlife

Chapter 2

Wild Birds

III CROWS, MAGPIES, AND JAYS nously, their departure forecasts winter freeze-up.

Their overflights, which sometimes number in the
Crows, magpies, and jays belong to the Corvidae thousands, are arranged in V-shaped, bomberlike for-
family, within the order Passeriformes. Crows are rela- mations often separated by only a few yards; their
tively large black brassy birds that are equally at home herringbone trails in the sky seem almost endless
in populated or wilderness environments (Figure 2-1). (Figure 2-5).
Their distinctive call reminds many of time spent Geese with young goslings can be very aggressive
hiking or camping in the woodlands. Crows are par- (Figure 2-6). A large male once attacked my partner
ticularly bold, feeding fearlessly on roadkill and seem- and me during a marathon canoe race when we inad-
ingly impervious to the presence of passing vehicles. vertently got between it and its offspring. The gander
Their northern relative, the raven, is noticeably larger hurled itself into my bowman’s chest, beating him
and considerably more difficult to handle in a hospital with its large heavy wings (Figure 2-7) about the chest

setting. and head, nearly knocking him overboard and capsiz-
While in the care of veterinarians, crows may subsist ing our boat.
comfortably on elements of their natural diet, includ- In the fall, hunters wait in ambush along the

ing seeds, berries, insects, meat, or chicken. Eye protec- water’s edge, dressed in camouflage and concealed
tion is a wise precaution when handling crows because in blinds, with their dogs fidgeting nervously at

of their large powerful beaks. their sides. Wounded birds that survive their fall
Magpies are somewhat smaller than crows, but they to earth and are not retrieved usually are taken by
have a most attractive plumage comprised of a black opportunistic predators or die of starvation; however,
cloak, white vest, and long dark blue-green tail (Figure some are discovered by hikers and taken to a
2-2). Like crows, magpies have a disproportionately veterinarian.
large head. However, unlike crows, which have a Although we have an equally large number of ducks
conventional flight pattern, magpies often swoop in our region (Figure 2-8), comparatively few are

from point to point, giving some the impression of a brought to our hospital for medical attention. Con-
wing injury. scious ducks can be surprisingly aggressive when
Jays are stunning, predominately blue and white being handled, frequently biting those handling them
birds with a distinctive collapsible crest atop their (Figure 2-9). Both geese and ducks belong to the family
heads (Figures 2-3 and 2-4). When foraging for food, Anatidae, order Anseriformes.
jays characteristically announce their presence with a
sharp cry before beginning to feed (presumably a
signal to other birds in the area). Commercial wild III BLACKBIRDS (COWBIRDS,
birdseed, supplemented by unsalted, roasted, unshelled
peanuts, makes an excellent hospital ration. GRACKLES, AND
NORTHERN ORIOLES)
III GEESE AND DUCKS Cowbirds and grackles are ubiquitous in western
Canada. The grackle is a particularly attractive bird,
In western Canada, Canadian geese abound on rivers, especially in bright sunlight where its bright metallic
lakes, and wetlands. Their annual arrival gratefully blue and lavender head positively gleams (Figure
signals the coming of spring, but later and more omi- Text continued on p. 30.
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