Can a bird seriously live like this?

Question

I came across this picture of a bird that was attacked by a hawk and the hawk completely ripped out the feathers around it's neck, yet it's still up walking around. I guess if it only lost feathers it could live, but i dont know.

http://www.steaknbj.com/forum/blog-topics/2355-pigeon-loses-neck-still-alive.html

Answer 1

wow thats crazy

Answer 2

yeh it just depends on whether its lost a lot of blood or if it gets infected, but if not then its feather will regrow and it will be fine!!

Answer 3

All species of birds molt (lose and regrow) their feathers on an annual or semi-annual basis. Typically they lose just a feather or a few feathers at a time, so it's not very noticeable unless they show a pronounced molt, and they grow back while another feather or two drop. Feathers will grow back unless there's something medically wrong with the bird. As already stated, blood loss from having all of those feathers plucked is the key issue -- if the bird heals quickly or receives wildlife rehab treatment, he/she should be fine.

Answer 4

ummmmmmmmm.... That pic freaks me out but I don't think it would die. Just probably in pain .... lots of pain

Answer 5

Uh.. yeah. It's just the feather's. It's just got a thin neck, I guess.

I'm not a bird specialist or anything, but I think feathers grow back.

Answer 6

PHOTO SHOPPED!!

Answer 7

Gee, thanks for sharing.

Answer 8

First of all the website says it's a pigeon, it's not.. it's some type of gull.

Secondly.. the blood is from the act of the feathers being plucked out.. it's gory, but it's not necessarily deadly.

Depends on whether it was punctured at all by the talons, and depends on whether or not it develops infection.

Really, though - at this point, it's a target and it'll be very unlikely if it survives long.