He had almost no feathers on his head...just the one sticking up, dark skin and little white quills sticking out on his neck. I'm assuming something like lice.
We've had a cardinal in similar condition, and a wren that didn't look too great...
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| I don't know if this is the same jay or not...if so, looks like his feathers are coming back! I couldn't get a very good photo, unfortunately. |
Oh how sad, I wonder who would know? Any local bird watching clubs? I would hate to think the birds are under that much stress, although my hair is also falling out! Maybe it is stress! LOL
ReplyDeleteBirds go through a molting process don't they and can look a bit scraggly in the process - maybe it's that especially if he's looking better now with his new set of feathers!!!
ReplyDeleteYep, in the molt!
ReplyDeleteI hope that's all it is! I've never seen them molt just on the head before. It appears to itch, too, because he rubs it against branches frequently.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if birds get fleas. I know the squirrels in my garden are constantly scratching. I had a parakeet when I was a child and he picked all his feathers off. The vet said it was nerves. I've never liked birds in cages since.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I love the sketch. I love your economy of line and color but there is no doubt which bird we're looking at.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Paula! I only had a minute to get down the basics...he looked so ODD without his crest, and his head looked way too small.
DeleteIn summer we see lots of jays like that, I just figured they were juveniles who had not finished getting their feathers yet, never dawned on me they could be molting. I have been informed when ducks molt they lose so many feathers at once they can't fly for a week or so.
ReplyDeleteJays when molting lose all the feathers on their head at the same time. Most people never get to see them this way, hence you're initial question ~ what's wrong with this bird?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nancy! I guess I'd never seen one like that...
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