Hummingbirds are remarkable little birds capable of hovering in mid-air and lapping nectar at up to 13 licks per second with their long, specially adapted tongues. However, like any animal, hummingbirds can fall victim to health conditions that impact their normal function. One such condition is swollen tongue, which can have severe implications for a hummingbird’s ability to feed itself.
What causes a hummingbird’s tongue to swell?
There are a few potential causes of a swollen tongue in hummingbirds:
- Injuries – Direct trauma to the tongue, such as a bird accidentally biting its own tongue, can lead to inflammation and swelling.
- Infections – Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections in the mouth and tongue can cause swelling.
- Obstructions – Foreign objects like insect parts or seeds stuck in the mouth can obstruct blood flow and cause swelling.
- Dehydration – Insufficient fluid intake and electrolyte imbalance can cause tissues to swell.
- Diseases – Conditions like avian gout or avian pox could potentially affect the tongue.
- Congenital defects – Birth defects impacting the tongue may exist in some cases.
In many cases, the exact cause of a hummingbird’s swollen tongue is difficult to determine. Like other birds, hummingbirds are adept at hiding signs of illness until an issue becomes severe. Any of the above causes may be behind a swollen tongue.
How does a swollen tongue affect hummingbirds?
A hummingbird’s swollen tongue can have detrimental effects on its health and quality of life. Here are some of the main problems it causes:
- Impaired feeding – A swollen tongue makes it difficult and painful for a hummingbird to lap up nectar, the primary component of its diet. This can lead to malnutrition.
- Weight loss – Insufficient nectar intake causes a hummingbird to burn through its small fat stores, leading to emaciation.
- Dehydration – The nectar hummingbirds drink provides much of their water. Reduced feeding leads to dehydration.
- Increased vulnerability – Weakened and emaciated birds are more susceptible to predation and health issues.
- Discomfort – Significant tongue swelling is likely painful or irritating for the bird.
A hummingbird with a swollen tongue often becomes lethargic and immobile. It may perch for prolonged periods without moving or feeding. Rapid deterioration can occur if the underlying cause is not addressed.
Can hummingbirds recover on their own?
In mild cases of tongue swelling, hummingbirds may sometimes recover on their own. However, serious cases require human intervention for the bird to survive. Here are some key points:
- The severity of the swelling determines chances of recovery. Mild swelling may resolve on its own if the underlying cause is temporary.
- Rest and limiting activity helps reduce inflammation in some situations.
- Eating very soft foods like diluted nectar, fruit, or sugar water may be possible despite discomfort.
- In most cases of significant swelling, the bird declines without supportive care.
- Underlying illnesses, infections, and congenital issues will not improve without diagnosis and treatment.
- Debilitated birds are unlikely to recover without specialized rehabilitation.
While occasional exceptions occur, hummingbirds generally require medical treatment to recover from a severely swollen tongue impairing their ability to feed normally. The sooner such interventions begin, the better the bird’s chances.
How do rehabilitators treat swollen tongue in hummingbirds?
Hummingbird rehabilitation experts have specialized techniques to help hummingbirds recover from swollen tongues. Some key elements of their treatment plan may include:
- Fluid therapy – Administering electrolyte solutions subcutaneously or through feeding tubes to counteract dehydration.
- Nutritional support – Feedings of high-calorie formulas through tubes to restore weight and nutrition.
- Medications – Antibiotics, antifungals, or other medicines to treat infections and reduce inflammation.
- Diagnostic testing – Bloodwork, swabs, imaging, and other tests to identify underlying issues.
- Tongue massage – Light massage to reduce swelling and maintain tissue health.
- Assisted feeding – Using specialized tubes and feeders to deliver nectar while allowing the tongue to heal.
- Physical therapy – Range-of-motion exercises to maintain tongue muscle tone.
- Environmental optimization – Keeping the bird in a warm, humid, quiet space to promote healing.
This intensive supportive care allows the tongue to gradually return to normal size and function. As the swelling resolves, the hummingbird can transition back to self-feeding with thickened nectar, and eventually regular nectar.
What is the survival rate for hummingbirds with swollen tongue?
The survival rate for hummingbirds undergoing rehabilitation for swollen tongue depends on several factors:
- How soon after onset treatment was initiated – Early intervention improves success.
- Severity of swelling – More extensive swelling is higher risk.
- Cause of swelling – Infections may have better outcomes than congenital issues.
- Age and condition of the bird – Weaker or older birds are more vulnerable.
- Presence of other health issues – Concurrent problems complicate recovery.
- Quality of supportive care – Experienced rehabilitators have better results.
One wildlife rehabilitation center reported a 60% survival rate in hummingbirds admitted for swollen tongue. However, success rates can vary widely based on the above factors. With prompt, expert care, many hummingbirds can make a full recovery.
Can tongue swelling recur after treatment?
In some cases, hummingbirds may experience recurring tongue swelling after an initial bout and recovery. Possible reasons swelling could recur include:
- Incomplete treatment of an infection – Pathogens may persist and re-trigger inflammation.
- Irritation from a foreign body – A seed or insect part stuck in the mouth could cause repeated swelling episodes.
- Allergies – Hummingbirds may have allergic reactions to certain nectar sources leading to flare-ups.
- Damage to the tongue – Past injuries could make swelling more likely to reoccur.
- Congenital defect – An underlying anatomical issue may predispose to bouts of swelling.
- Nutritional factors – Deficiencies or excesses in the diet may contribute.
- Stress – Episodes of high stress may make swelling more probable due to reduced immunity.
Eliminating provoking factors where possible can help prevent recurrence of tongue swelling. Rehabilitators may modify treatment, perform additional diagnostic tests, or change the diet and environment after a reoccurrence.
What is the long-term prognosis for hummingbirds that recover from swollen tongue?
The long-term outlook for hummingbirds successfully treated for swollen tongue is generally good. Here are some considerations regarding their post-recovery prognosis:
- Most can return to normal feeding, flying, and activities after recovering.
- Lingering damage to the tongue is possible in some cases, which may cause minor ongoing impairment.
- They may be prone to reoccurrence if predisposing factors remain unaddressed.
- Repaired congenital defects could still impact function and immunity long-term.
- If the swollen tongue was related to an underlying chronic illness, this may affect future health.
- Advanced age or prolonged swelling prior to rescue could contribute to a shorter natural lifespan.
With appropriate follow-up care and prevention of re-injury or flare-ups, many hummingbirds live a full life after overcoming tongue swelling. Hand-raised youngsters may imprint on humans permanently. Rescued birds can be released back into appropriate habitat once fully recovered.
Key points on hummingbirds recovering from swollen tongues
- Swollen tongue impairs hummingbirds’ ability to feed, often requiring human intervention.
- Rehabilitators use tubes, feeders, therapy and medications to treat swelling.
- Early treatment initiation, proper care, and younger age improve success odds.
- Underlying causes must be resolved to prevent recurrence of swelling.
- Many hummingbirds can make a full recovery and return to the wild after rehabilitation.
Conclusion
A hummingbird’s swollen tongue is a severe condition that usually requires prompt veterinary treatment to avoid grave consequences. However, an experienced rehabilitator can offer hope even for debilitated hummingbirds. With intensive supportive care and therapy to reduce swelling and restore tongue function, many hummingbirds fully recover. Identifying and addressing any underlying problems is key to preventing swelling recurrence. Providing a second chance through rehabilitation allows these energetic, captivating birds to eventually resume their free-flying lives.
