"Oiled birds" refers to birds that have come into contact with oil, typically from oil spills in the ocean. The oil sticks to the feathers of the birds and can harm or even kill them. Full definition
The International Bird Research Rescue Center, one of two organisations heading up the treatment of oiled birds in the Gulf, claims that 50 to 80 per cent of the birds treated survive at least to the point of where they can be released back into the wild. (newscientist.com)
Felix Lopez, an environmental contaminants specialist in the Service's Puerto Rico Field Office, scans for oiled birds in Barataria Bay, Louisiana during the BP oil spill response. (fws.gov)
Oiled birds in the many nesting areas that dot the Gulf Coast typically are left in place and not counted in official tallies. (latimesblogs.latimes.com)