Hi Swan Specialist, We have a swan family at our Park that I have been watching for three years. I noticed recently, about three weeks ago, the adult female has some discoloration, a slight pinkish color, on the very tips of a few primary flight feathers. It's on the tips of a few feathers on her right and left wings. Upon close inspection, it looks like the pink color is coming from the feather rachis, and moves out along the barbs.

I initially thought she possibly flapped her wings and the very tips hit something red, that the red was fading, and would disappear after she preened or bathed. The pink is still there, though, and it is symmetrical, meaning it's the same tips on the right as on the left, and only a few feathers, 2-4, that I can see.

The color is pinkish, not dark in color. Not sure if the feather is stained or if a sign of something concerning and more serious.

Do you know what this may be? Should I send along a photo for more clarification?

Thank you very much for any info you may be able to provide.
« Hide