25th March 2026 - there have been a number of Siskin visiting Andy M's garden recently, and mostly they are sleek and fiesty, but also flying away quickly when disturbed - see Blog 16th March.
However, this individual had very fluffed-up feathers, despite it being a warm day, and seemed to be having trouble swallowing. Additionally, it was lethargic and reluctant to fly away when approached, perhaps because it was weak. In Greenfinch, these symptoms are typical of the disease Trichomoniasis, which can also infect Goldfinch and Siskin, and all three species tend to feed together in flocks in winter.
Whilst not affecting humans, this avian disease is highly contagious between birds, spread by transfer of saliva around the feeders, and is usually fatal, so good hygiene around bird feeding areas, and thorough weekly cleaning of bird feeders is essential to prevent spread. Andy washed and bleached this area and his feeders after this incidence. He also reported this to the BTO, who are tracking bird disease.
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