[birdky] Re: Northern Cardinal with head molt?

Hi Dawn,

I've noticed this phenomenon quite a bit with my backyard birds (only 
cardinals, so far). Some appear more completely bald while others are missing 
only a few head feathers. It seems experts are somewhat uncertain about a 
definite cause, but there are several thoughts on it. 

Here's a link with a few theories and it also has some additional links to 
other sites on the topic. 
http://www.birdersworld.com/brd/default.aspx?c=a&id=512 

Linda

----------------------------------------

From: "Dawn" <dawn.office@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 9:23 AM
To: "Birdky" <birdky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [birdky] Northern Cardinal with head molt? 

Morning, 
 
Since I am somewhat new to birding, I can identify some breeds, or species 
easily enough, but keep my book handy and a piece of paper to make notes. About 
3 weeks ago I notice a "different" coloring on one of the cardinals. I have a 
pair that were coming daily, very pretty they were. I then noticed in the 
evening that a second male was showing up, it was a cardinal, but his coloring 
was way off. From a distance it looked like his black masking had taken over 
his whole head, and the head appeared "rounded". When ever I attempted to get a 
better look or get the camera he would take off, guess he is shy. 
  
I have been looking all week for a possible answer, while spending more time at 
the window watching for him. Well last night I was finally able to actually 
observe him and get my answers, but now I have even more questions.  
  
This poor boy is bald! Not one feather on his head, no crest, nothing that I 
could see. If he wasn't 6in in length, bright red and eatting the safflower 
seeds in my feeders I would think he was a new mini vulture. When I finally 
figured out that he had no feathers I wanted to run out, pick him up and tell 
him he was still beautiful. 
  
So, have I never seen this before because I was not paying attention, or is it 
a common thing? I looked up molting, but could find no answer. I know it is a 
good chance it is some kind of parasite as well.  
  
  
Thank you, 
  
Dawn D. 
Louisville, Ky

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