Birds are the natural host and reservoir of West Nile virus. Dead birds, especially crows, ravens, magpies, and jays, can be used to estimate and track West Nile virus in the community. If you have found a dead bird in your area, please call the WNV Call Center at 1-877-WNV-BIRD or file a report online at westnile.ca.gov/report. The WNV Call Center staff will tell you how to properly prepare the bird for pick up or how to safely dispose of it. If you have any further questions about West Nile and birds please visit westnile.ca.gov for additional resources.