bald cardinal
Apr 22, 2012 11:34:29 #
I took this several months ago and it is not good at all, but someone posted a similar shot of a cardinal on today's forum.
I haven't been able to pin down what causes this.
I haven't been able to pin down what causes this.
Apr 22, 2012 11:37:51 #
Usually it's an infestation of feather mites which the bird can clean off with his beak as part of regular feather maintenance. As you can see, the only areas seriously infected are areas not accessible to his beak. Cardinals do a complete molt in the fall, so these feathers will grow back.
Apr 22, 2012 11:45:11 #
Apr 23, 2012 06:01:11 #
I never saw a bald cardinal before.I am sure it will be glad to get it's feathers back!
Apr 23, 2012 06:41:43 #
Trying to make everyone think he is an eagle. Probably a self esteem issue. I am glad to know that he will be fine too.
Apr 23, 2012 12:56:53 #
We had a female cardinal a couple years ago with the same situation and her mate wasn't objecting to her appearance. He would feed her at the feeder even though she was pretty ugly. I did not know that they molted though. Thanks for the information
Apr 23, 2012 17:01:41 #
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