Yes. A quick internet search by me on “scaly mite” yesterday, suggests that this (from brooding birds to nestlings)
is correct about one method of transmission. Although most internet references are to chickens and pet birds. The photo presented is surely really extreme. I don’t think I have ever noticed anything near as bad as that one.
Philip
From: Canberrabirds [
On Behalf Of Geoffrey Dabb
Sent: Friday, 29 September, 2023 9:55 AM
To: 'Mark Clayton'; 'shorty'; 'Canberra birds'; 'Maryanne Gates'
Subject: Re: [Canberrabirds] Pied Currawong
In this corner of suburbia we have a small group of about 4 choughs, possibly rejects from a larger woodland group. They made a rather sad nest-build attempt. One was found dead in a backyard last week, apparently from this complaint.
Perhaps one method of transmission is from brooding birds to nestlings.
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of Mark Clayton via Canberrabirds
Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2023 7:25 PM
To: shorty <>; Canberra birds <>; Maryanne Gates <>
Subject: Re: [Canberrabirds] Pied Currawong
Hi Shorty,
I have 3 or 4 Pied Currawongs around my place with the same problem to varying degrees. I am happy that I am not doing any currawong banding as this would cause massive problems with the band and the bird’s legs. Given
Maryanne’s reply I will contact ACT Wildlife to see if they want me to catch them – I assume this is actually legal but I no longer have an ACT banding permit. I think the only other species I have seen with this complaint is White-winged Choughs.
Mark
Sent from
Mail for Windows
From:
Sent: Thursday, 28 September 2023 5:24 PM
To:
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Pied Currawong
I just looked out my window and spotted a Pied Currawong on the perch of one of my baths. I thought what the hell is wrong with your feet
😲 Apart from the feet it looked healthy and flew off well. I have
seen scaly mite before but this looks very different, anyone have an insight to what this is?
Shorty
