With a severely over-grown upper and lower bill, heavy parasite load and jaundiced skin tone, this gorgeous red-tailed hawk needs a lot of help to get back to the wild.
It is possible this hawk has Long-billed Hawk Syndrome - a disease that can affect raptors of any kind but is most common in red-tailed hawks. The cause of this syndrome is still unknown but the result is uncontrolled growth of the upper and lower bill. The deformed bill makes it nearly impossible for these birds to properly preen, hunt, eat, or feed their young. Most birds with this syndrome will starve to death without treatment.
As a result of his over-grown bill, this red-tailed hawk had lost weight, was covered in parasites like mites and lice, and his feathers were no longer water proof. He will need to have his bill trimmed, filed and re-shaped by the expert staff at Wild ARC. He will also need to be treated for the internal and external parasites that infest his weakened body however, his severely dehydrated condition prevent immediate treatment. His jaundice colour indicates a possible problem with his liver so he will be provided with medication that will address this issue.
With your support, this gorgeous bird can be rehabilitated and return to a full life in the wild. Please consider a donation towards his care today.