Just A Sparrow
Posted by Allison on July 3, 2005
Q: We rescued a baby sparrow in the yard. It was doing well until we noticed that there was a bulge under his neck that was not covered with feathers and was not his crop. The bulge is getting bigger as he is getting less "perkier". What is the bulge under the sparrow's neck?
A: Not easy to make a "long-distance diagnosis"! But the first thought that comes to mind is that there may be a parasite growing there. There are some Bot Flies that will lay an egg in an animal and these grow as they feed off of the host and then transform into an adult fly and leave. If you are able to see any movement there as you manipulate the bump, that's probably what you have.
If it's just a growth, who knows what it may be. If it gets worse and the baby seems to be suffering, I'd be inclined to get a sharp razor, make a small incision and see what you find. If it continues to grow, sounds like it may kill the bird so this may be your only option. Of course, you can take to a vet but many won't work on wildlife, especially birds.
Good luck and please get back to me so I too know what it was. Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( July 3, 2005)