Birds in Päijät-Häme suffer from fast food diet at Heinola Bird Rehabilitation Center

Feeding birds with fast food scraps and fries can lead to serious health issues. In the Päijät-Häme region, several so-called “McDonald’s crows” have been brought to the Heinola Bird Rehabilitation Center this summer and fall, suffering from developmental disorders due to unhealthy diets. The center discussed the issue on its Facebook page.

Biologist Marjo Pihlaja emphasizes that young crows require insect-based diets for essential proteins and minerals. In contrast, the leftovers from fast food mainly consist of carbohydrates and fats. “The most detrimental aspect is the lack of essential nutrients. Young birds do not receive the building blocks for their bones, muscles, or nerves,” she explains.

Crows are omnivores; for them, carrion from a dead animal is far more nutritious than a bun or fries. Malnutrition can weaken their skeletal structure and cause feather deformities. “If a wing has a white patch, the feathers have not developed properly, which can affect flight ability,” Pihlaja adds.

Nutritional deficiencies pose the greatest threat during the juvenile stage. Early developmental issues can result in lifelong disabilities, whereas an adult bird can recover if its diet improves after a period of poor nutrition.

BirdLife Finland notes that the phenomenon of city or “McDonald’s” crows is relatively recent, observed in major cities since the 1990s, with numbers stabilizing in recent years. Poor diets may impact bird populations; for example, Jyvaskyla observed that nests close to urban environments produced significantly fewer chicks.

To prevent birds from falling ill, proper waste disposal is crucial. Ensure bins are secure and durable, especially in high-bird areas, to minimize their access to harmful food scraps.