Editor’s Note: The Fish Crow is part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series, which tells the stories of the patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect all of our wildlife. Read previous cases here.
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is caring for a fish crow (patient 25-4160) that was found on Pine Island, unable to fly. During the veterinary team’s initial examination, it was evident that she had been electrocuted, as both of her wings were charred with most of the feathers burnt off.
Bird feathers are made of beta keratin, a light structural protein that is stronger than the keratin found in human hair and nails. The primary wing and tail feathers, known as remiges and rectrices respectively, are specially adapted for flight. They feature interlocking barbules, which make them both stiff and flexible.
The wing’s aerodynamic shape allows the bird to create lift, drag, steer, and brake. Unfortunately, without most of her tail and wing feathers, this crow cannot fly. Feathers can regrow when birds molt, but this process occurs only about twice a year in the species. As a result, it may take many months for her to grow her feathers back.
The fish crow’s beak also sustained damage from the electrical current, causing the black outer keratin layer to slough off and exposing a small area of tissue covering the underlying bone. Her beak is cleaned daily, and afterward, a hydrogel is applied to keep the area hydrated during the regrowth process.
She is receiving pain medication and follows a strict wound cleaning schedule to aid her healing and help her return to the skies of Pine Island.
While birds are often seen resting on power lines, these lines can pose significant risks to them. It’s estimated that millions of birds are electrocuted each year, and even more collide with the lines while flying.
Electrocution can occur when a bird touches two lines at once or a grounded pole while also touching a live line. This risk is notably higher for larger birds, like crows and raptors, due to their wide wingspans, which may unintentionally connect different parts of the structures and cause electrocution.
Although it is uncertain if a power line electrocuted this fish crow, the CROW team is dedicated to helping her recover, regardless of the cause of her injuries.
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