Editor’s Note: The following is part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series that shares stories from the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, highlighting the risks local wildlife face and how we can help. This weekly series is generously sponsored by Kingfisher Real Estate. Read more of the CAW series here.
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is caring for a blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) that was admitted with a fracture to its left wing.
Radiographs confirmed a broken ulna. To stabilize the injury and support proper healing, the veterinary team applied a figure-8 bandage to keep the wing in correct alignment.
Recovery involves more than just bone healing. A major goal is maintaining normal wing function through physical therapy. Gentle stretching and massage help prevent tightening of the patagiu, the thin membrane along the front edge of the wing. Because these treatments can be uncomfortable, they are often done under anesthesia to reduce stress and ensure the bird’s comfort.
Another possible complication is synostosis, where nearby bones fuse abnormally after an injury. In this case, there is a risk that the fractured ulna could fuse to the radius if movement is not carefully maintained. To prevent this and track healing, the team is performing regular exams and follow-up radiographs.
We are encouraged by the blue jay’s progress. The fracture is healing well, and the bird is steadily regaining strength. Once fully healed, it will move to an outdoor flight enclosure to rebuild muscle and endurance before a final evaluation for release.
More about Blue Jays
Blue jays are a large, common songbird found across Eastern and Central North America. Blue jays are also skilled mimics and can imitate hawk calls, which may help warn other jays or deter competitors.
Did you know?
Blue jays are known for their bright blue feathers, but the color isn’t from pigment. Instead, it comes from the microscopic structure of the feathers, which scatters light to create a blue appearance. The only pigment present is melanin, the same brown pigment found in human skin. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, “The blue color is caused by scattering light through modified cells on the surface of the feather barbs.”
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