What is one of the signs of coccidiosis in hawks?

Coccidiosis is an infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites that primarily affects the intestinal tract of birds, including hawks. One of the hallmark signs of this condition is diarrhea, which can range from mild to severe and may even contain blood if the infection is particularly acute. This symptom occurs due to the damage the parasites inflict on the gut lining, leading to malabsorption and excessive fluid loss.

While excessive grooming, vomiting, and loss of feathers can indicate other health issues in birds, they are not specifically associated with coccidiosis. Excessive grooming may suggest stress or skin issues, vomiting can result from various gastrointestinal problems, and loss of feathers might point to molting or other health concerns. In the case of coccidiosis, diarrhea is distinctly linked to the intestinal parasitic infection, making it a critical sign for falconers to recognize in their hawks.