Audubon Society Arkansas – Article by Jerry W. Davis, Certified Wildlife Biologist, Hot Springs, AR.

“When dozens of Cedar Waxwings were found dead in Thomas County, Georgia, researchers at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, found the cause to be Nandina berries. All the birds had intact Nandina berries in their crops. There was hemorrhaging in the heart, lungs, trachea, abdominal cavity and other organs.”

“Nandina berries contain cyanide and other alkaloids that produce highly toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN) which is extremely poisonous to all animals. Sudden death may be the only sign of cyanide poisoning and death usually comes in minutes to an hour. “

Read Full Article here: https://ar.audubon.org/news/nandina-berries-kill-birds

NOTE: Advise is to remove Nandina plants from your landscape, or at least, remove all the berries.