Raptors sometimes lose an eye pursuing prey. Here’s a photo I took in SA. The Kestrel had two attempts at catching a mouse. I took the photo from a long way off and only saw
the reason for the two attempts when I looked at the image later. This bird also seems healthy otherwise.
Danny
From: Philip Veerman <>
Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2020 5:03 PM
To: ;
Subject: Re: [Canberrabirds] Popeye
Certain not common. Though in this sense, what does “common” mean? Yes a theory or two might come up. To know however, the theory would need testing.
I suggest it would need close assessment by someone qualified. However my theory is that
some sort of injury is far more likely than
genetic cause. Birds such as Currawongs will, given a chance attack the eyes of other birds. Olsens had a Sparrowhawk in care lost an eye,
believed or known to be for that reason.
Philip
From: Robin Eckermann
Sent: Thursday, 30 July, 2020 9:35 AM
To:
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Popeye
One of the Sulphur Crested Cockatoos that occasionally appears in our yard has an abnormality with one eye - as shown in this picture of both sides of its head ...
I'm not sure if it has any vision in its left-hand eye ... when aware of my presence, it seems to spend 95% of the time with its head turned to the left so that its good eye is observing me.
I'm curious if this sort of abnormality is common - and would welcome any theories as to whether its genetic or the result of some sort of injury. The bird seems healthy in all other respects.
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Regards ... Robin Eckermann
Phone: 02-6161-6161 (w) 0418-630-555 (m)
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