Mysterious Bird Deaths in the Mid-Atlantic Region

Smithsonian Voices National ZooMysterious bird deaths in the Mid-Atlantic RegionScientists and the public noticed something strange about birds in the mid Atlantic region. A surprising number of them were showing unusual symptoms like crusty eyes or shaking heads. Many birds died or became sick. Smithsonian scientists need you to help them understand why.Citizen science can be a key part in solving the mystery of what's happening to these birds. Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center scientists can use the data you gather to help them understand the extent of this event. Report any dead or injured birds you find in your area. Continue reading for more information.What's the matter with these birds?Scientists refer to this as a "mortality event" when large numbers of animals die quickly from what seems to be a common cause. We are seeing distressing symptoms in birds, including problems with their eyes or their nervous system. Many birds have been found with blindness and/or crusty eyes. Many birds are confused and appear on the ground with their heads shaking. They can also be lethargic or unresponsive.Which birds are most affected?This was observed in several backyard bird species, including blue jays and common grackles as well as European starlings and American robins. But also Carolina wrens, gray catsbirds, house sparrows.It has been seen in juvenile birds, but we also saw it in adults.Is this really happening?It seems like birds in the mid-Atlantic are most affected right now. Similar cases have been reported in other parts of the country, such as Ohio, Florida and other states.When did it all begin?According to our best knowledge, mysteriously, birds began dying and falling ill in April 2021. It appears to have reached its peak in mid-Atlantic in June. There are some signs that bird deaths are declining, or that fewer birds are being taken into wildlife rehabilitation centers. It is still too early to tell.These birds are dying.The cause of the problem is still unknown. We are still gathering data and investigating a variety of possible causes.We look at the environment to see if there is a cause. The cicadas are the exception this year.These bird deaths could be related to the 17-year Brood X cicada emergence. There could be many ways that the cicadas could have led to mass bird death.In our area, songbirds ate lots of cicadas between May and June. Birds that eat lots of cicadas are exposed to high levels. Even low levels of toxins are magnified when birds eat hundreds or even thousands of cicadas. These toxins could be caused by pesticides or fungus.These bird deaths cannot be attributed to the cicadas. We will have to dig deeper. The cicadas can be a good place for starting to look for answers, as this has not happened last year.What can I do to help?According to the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS), everyone should clean and down their birdbaths and bird feeders to prevent any contagious diseases.Participate as a citizen scientist. We need to know if you see a sick or dying bird. This online form has a few questions to help us collect more information about dead and live birds. Please complete the form if you have found a live bird. You will be directed to the local wildlife rehabilitation center for further instructions.We will need to know the details of the event, including date, time, location, bird age and species (if known), as well as a photograph.