Pretty Birds....NOT!

Putnam County, IN(Zone 5b)

It is that wonderful time of the year where certain birds are starting to molt. The most commonly seen bird I think is the Northern Cardinal. Of ten described as one the most beautiful, for a brief spell is one of the most homely creatures to ever be seen! These are often the first round of fledglings that are changing in to their adult colors. But most adult birds molt at least once a year also.

But other birds go through this change to some degree or another. So jump in a share a photo or two of a bird goin' through this awkward period!


Thumbnail by nanny_56
Putnam County, IN(Zone 5b)

This guy freaked me out at first the other day!

Thumbnail by nanny_56
Wilmar, AR(Zone 8a)

Those are odd looking birds, Nanny! Wish I could get my pics to post on this site. I have a backyard full of cardinals in various stages of molt. I had someone send me a pic of one that had no feathers at all on it's head! Poor thing...was he ever ugly!

Putnam County, IN(Zone 5b)

I had one like that too, but I just deleted a bunch off earlier today since this thread did not get any responses! LOL

(Pat) Kennewick, WA(Zone 5b)

Yes, birds in molt look like an animal with mange!

Mart, TX

Not only do they molt, but the juvinels do so frequently during the summer. They are sure an odd contrast to the adult males!

Putnam County, IN(Zone 5b)

They are ever changing aren't they!

Danvers, MA

This one has gone prematurely bald!

I'm assuming it's a juvie Cardinal. I was cat-sitting over the long weekend a few weeks ago and this one would show up EARLY morning and early evening.

Thumbnail by Shan71
Danvers, MA

Here's another shot of the same bird. Too bad the cat owners didn't go away for longer so I could watch the progress.

Thumbnail by Shan71

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
BACK TO TOP