Identify and Report Dead Birds

Information on Reporting Dead Birds

CLICK HERE TO REPORT A DEAD BIRD

or call toll-free:
1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473)
Operators available: 8 am - 5 pm / 7 days a week
After 5 pm, please leave a message

After you have reported a dead bird, you will be contacted if that bird will be picked up for West Nile virus testing. If you have not been contacted within 24 hours of your report, you may safely dispose of the dead bird in your trash. There is no evidence that West Nile virus can be acquired by handling dead birds, but it is best not to handle the dead bird with your bare hands. Use gloves, a shovel, or a plastic bag to place the bird in a trash bag for disposal. Please DO NOT freeze dead birds. West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, so the best way to protect yourself from West Nile virus is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. Click here for prevention information.

Due to the high volume of reports to the hotline, the California Department of Health Services is unable to respond to each report. However, all of the information received about dead birds is used by public agencies to track where birds are dying. Dead birds are an indicator of West Nile virus activity. This allows the local mosquito and vector control agencies to concentrate mosquito control efforts in those areas. Thank you for your cooperation.

Bird Identification

The following bird identification pages illustrate the most common bird species affected by West Nile virus. To date the species most affected are: 1) American Crows 2) Western Scrub-Jays 3) Yellow-Billed Magpies and 4) Steller's Jays.

Corvids (Crows, Ravens, Magpies, and Jays)...............................Click Here

Raptors (Birds of Prey).................................................................Click Here

Sparrows (House Sparrow, White-Crowned Sparrow, etc.).........Click Here

Finches (Lesser Goldfinch, House Finch, etc.)...............................Click Here