I have a bird feeder just outside my bedroom window, I haven't seen a sparrow feeding on it for absolutely ages but always see loads of Blue tits, coal tits etc. Just recently I've noticed a blue tit with no feathers on it's head visiting the feeder, he seems fine otherwise and has a full feathered body a part from the head, he looks kinda funny :) I wondered if anyone knew why he hasn't any feathers on his head? blue tit stress maybe? :)
Thanks,
Clare
I had a bluetit with exactly the same problem and read on another thread that the loss of feathers is due to insects and ticks in the nest. I am certainly no expert with regard to this but I am sure someone will be able to give you (and me) some more information.
I did see my bluetit again and he/she did seem to be regrowing feathers so I was quite hopeful, but I do not know if they just improve, once they have left the nest or if it can have more serious implications..
I have included a picture below, did yours look like this?
Kind regards Jane.
Hello Clare, there is a thread on here, where members have seen the same problem, which may reasure you. The blue tit may be suffering from 'mite' and there is nothing you can do. In fact there is every chance the tit will recover and it's feathers will regrow in time. I will try to find the thread for you, where there are photographs for you to see, showing similar cases.
Hello BrendaH
I know I did not start this thread, but your answer is also very useful for me so I would like to thank you. It is a relief as the bluetit seemed well, other than his/her strange appearance.
Thanks a lot, much appreciated.
hehe yeah he looks just like that :) thank you for your reply.. I'll keep watching him and hopefully he'll be back to normal soon, before winter atleast otherwise he's going to need a little hat!
Thanks Brenda :)
PICTURE OF "PUNKY" THE BLUE TIT
Status: Unknown
30 replies Started by Chez Latest post by MarJus on 15 March 2010 4:35 PM
If you look at the thread above, you will see that the bird slowly recovered.
That is brilliant, thank you Brenda H.
I had no idea the mites could live in the seed and hence transfer to other birds, that is something to look out for.......moving seed!
I am always given invaluable information on this site and that is due to people like you Brenda H so a big thank you from me.
I have seen similar birds n my feeders I’m happy to know it might sort itself out.