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Birding/injured robin
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Question
My kids found an adult robin in the back yard. The robin has no tail feathers. I am not sure why. He is not bloody so I don't know if he was attacked or lost his tail feathers due to a parasite. He is eating worms that we put in his cage and drinking. My question is if his tail feathers will ever grow back? Thank you for your time.
The best thing to do is release the bird as soon as possible. I know you mean well but the bird will survive quite well on its own, even without tail feathers, which will grow back. Probably a cat grabbed him by the tail and the feathers came out. It is illegal to keep a wild bird in captivity and the longer it stays in the cage the less likely it will be able to adjust to the wild again. Put the bird in a place outside out of harm's way and let nature take over from here. But again, I understand your concern.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you very much for your help. I will look for a safe place to release him but it won't be easy since there are cats and dogs all over the neighborhood. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Roger Lederer
Expertise
Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.
Experience
Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.
Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico
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