I have read that this condition in hummingbirds is due to Candidiasis, a fungal infection. My understanding is it is caused by poor feeder hygiene, using honey instead of sugar in feeders and also feeding solution that is too high in sugar.
Philomena
Sent from my iPhone
> On Nov 5, 2025, at 1:20 PM, Charles Hesselein via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> This morning I discovered a hummingbird coming to my feeders with its beak splayed open at the tip and its tongue fully extended. It returned to the feeders several times and at no time did it close its beak or pull in its tongue. It did appear to be feeding, successfully fending off other hummers and flying in a coordinated manner. My question is could this be a congenital issue or is it likely caused by a disease organism? If disease, I suppose I should take my feeders down to minimize the possibility of contagion.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Chazz Hesselein
> Port Orchard, WA
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
