PATIENT OF THE WEEK
Western Tanager Released
This stunning adult male Western Tanager was found grounded with a mild wing droop on the University of Arizona campus. Upon being brought to Tucson Wildlife Center for evaluation, our wildlife care team discovered subcutaneous emphysema—air trapped under the skin—on his right body wall, likely the result of trauma, such as a window strike.
Because birds have a unique respiratory system—they lack a diaphragm and, instead, rely on a system of air sacs and muscular movement of the sternum and ribs to ventilate their lungs—even minor injuries can cause air to accumulate in unexpected places. Trauma can cause tiny tears in the air sacs, allowing air to leak into the tissue under the skin.
In the second photo, our veterinarian is performing a needle aspiration—a procedure to gently remove the trapped air and relieve pressure. Our wildlife care team monitored the tanager closely, and after several days of no recurrence of emphysema, full flight capability, and a healthy weight, he was released back into the wild.
TWC would like to remind you that simple steps to make windows bird-safe can prevent injuries like this one. Apply visual markers, such as dots or decals to the outside of windows; close blinds or curtains when you are not using the room to reduce reflections that birds might mistake for open sky or trees; move houseplants away from window to reduce attracting birds to the greenery; and hang bird feeders either within 3-feet of windows (so birds cannot build up fatal speed) or over 30-feet away (to reduce the chance of startled birds hitting the glass). If you would like to help patients like this Western Tanager, click this link to donate,
Another way you can contribute is to visit our “wish list” on Amazon or Chewy below:
We appreciate it, as will all the wild animals in our care!
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