What symptom indicates that a hawk may have coccidiosis?

The indication that a hawk may have coccidiosis is evidenced by the presence of watery black mutes. Coccidiosis is an intestinal infection caused by parasitic protozoa, which can lead to abnormal digestive processes. As a result of the infection, the bird may experience diarrhea, which tends to present as watery droppings. The color can turn darker, leading to black mutes, primarily due to the presence of undigested blood or other gastrointestinal disturbances. This symptom is a key indicator of potential coccidiosis or other gastrointestinal issues, requiring further evaluation and possibly treatment.

Other symptoms listed, while they may indicate other health issues, are not specifically linked to coccidiosis in the way that watery black mutes are. Flat cheesy growths can suggest oral infections, difficulty feeding may relate to various other problems, and weak baiting with heavy breathing could indicate respiratory distress or weakness, rather than coccidiosis specifically.