Bird experts caution against feeding bread to waterfowl after 2 Winnipeg mallards found with 'angel wing'

Manitoba bird experts are warning the public to think twice about feeding bread to wild birds after two mallards were seen at Winnipeg’s St. Vital Park with signs of a condition known as angel wing — a syndrome that affects aquatic birds like ducks and geese and can permanently deform their wings.

Angel wing is caused by a nutritional deficiency that comes from humans feeding wild birds foods high in carbohydrates and sugar, such as bread.

“As a result, the growing feathers are too heavy and cause the bone to start hanging and twisting outwards,” said Angie Furniss, rehabilitation manager at Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation