Bump on the wing

[Shannon and Em]

Hi: I have a wild pigeon that I am taking care of for the past four weeks - Emily (I have actually adopted her). She hurt her wing in a car accident and cannot fly - but she is doing well in all other respects. However, over the past week I have noticed a bump - about a third of an inch on each of her wings - almost like a knuckle. It is on the top of her wing, where she bends her wing in as she tucks them to her side. The bump is on both wings, same spot. Is this normal?

[Trees Gray]

Hello there,

Thank you for taking in this needy bird and adopting her.

If there is a bump in the same place on each wing then that is normal, it is the joint where the wing bends, if the joints are swollen then that is something else.

I would recommend you have the bird looked at by a pigeon friendly avian vet or rehabber in your area. It would be good to see if there is anything wrong at this point and have the wing checked.

Treesa

[Shannon and Em]

I had emily examined by a bird vet. It turns out that the fetherless bumps are acually tumors. Upon x raying the bird the tumors are throughout the body The doctor also said that she thinks Emily may have some neirological damage - since she is has been getting progressively worse on balancing, getting up, and walking. She could not help her. I have brought Em home and am caring for her in her last days - keeping her warm, fed, and loved. It is amazing how attached I have become to her in just a few weeks. I hope I find another little pij in need - they are special. I will just make sure I get them to the doctor sooner. Thank you for all your help.

[cyro51]

I am so very sorry to hear that! Pigeons have bumps on the bend of the wing but they are only visible when the pigeon is wet and my own view would have been that anything symmetrical is normal. Thank you for coming back and warning us that this is not necessarily so.

I am so sorry for both you and Em!

As for finding another pigeon in need...you will! I found my first pigeon in November 1999 when I was 50...imagine, all those years and I had never found a sick or injured feral pigeon! Now I have an aviary full and love each one of them dearly! This is my latest and current dearest! he is underdeveloped, has a splay leg (which I hope to correct) and an overgrown beak.


Cynthia

[Reti]

I am so sorry to hear the vet's diagnosis.
That baby is really so lucky you found her.
I am sure you will find more needy pidgies.

Cynthia, what a cute little guy. Hope his leg gets better.

Reti