Bird Disease.

[DorsetBoy]

Has anyone seen a growth like this on or near a Sparrows eye or any other bird & is it contageous?

[alanjns]

It doesn't look infected - although I'm no expert. I've seen some birds with ulcers and growths from ticks etc, and this looks quite clean and dry. Maybe this is an old growth of some description, but the bird - a Dunnock by the way - looks healthy in all other respects. It's hopefully not affecting the bird too much.

[Twitcheruth]

As Alan says it doesn't look as it it's stopping the bird from eating so hopefully won't cause too many problems.....though sadly if the eye becomes too affected it might do regarding it not being able to see food or prey etc.

[DorsetBoy]

Many thanks Alan & Ruth. Just shows my inexperience in bird ID but I am lucky to have knowledgeable people like you to help me. Many thanks as it is appreciated. Regarding the health of the Dunnock:- I recall that I thought that I overheard someone that also observed it, say that it was contageous & it eventually kills the bird? Kind regards. Pete.