What is a common symptom of frounce in raptors?

A common symptom of frounce in raptors is the presence of cheesy plaques in the mouth. Frounce is an infection caused by a protozoan parasite known as Trichomonas gallinae, which primarily affects the upper digestive tract of birds, particularly their throat and mouth. The cheesy plaques are essentially necrotic tissue that results from the infection and can lead to difficulties in feeding, which is a significant concern for the health and survival of the affected bird.

Understanding this symptom is crucial because it helps in early identification and prompts timely veterinary intervention. The other options do not specifically signify frounce; for example, while diarrhea can occur in various illnesses affecting raptors, it is not a hallmark symptom of this particular condition. Easily being overexerted may suggest other health issues not specifically related to frounce. Flicking food might be a behavioral observation, but it does not directly indicate the presence of the infection. Thus, recognizing the presence of those characteristic cheesy plaques in the mouth is key to diagnosing frounce effectively.