Report a dead bird

Please report all dead birds to the West Nile Virus and Dead Bird Hotline at 1-877-968-BIRD (2473) or online at westnile.ca.gov.

When reporting dead birds, please provide the following

• Location of bird (address and/or intersection) 
• Description of bird (color, size, species) 
• Date found and condition of the bird (intact, run over)  

Birds to report

• American Crow: 17” long, small straight, sharp bill 
• Common Raven: 22” - 27” long, large, thick, curved bill 
• Western Scrub Jay: 11” long, blue head, back, and tail, gray belly 
• For a full list of birds accepted for testing, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

How to safely handle and dispose of dead birds

• A hotline operator will let you know if the bird is no longer good for testing. 
• Do not touch dead birds with bare hands or clothing. 
• Wear gloves or use double heavy-duty plastic bags. 
• Place your hand inside the bag. 
• Grab the bird and turn the bag inside out. 
• Tie or zip the first plastic bag closed and then double bag the bird. 
• Close the outer bag. 
• Either discard bagged bird in a trash container or secure it for pickup at a location away from children and animals. 
• Wash your hands with soap after disposal. 
• If you wore gloves, wash while they are on, then throw them away. Then wash your hands. 

Report a dead bird