Good evening all. I joined tonight to share some photos of a young Blue Tit we've had in the garden for over a week now. Seems to be eating fine but wondered if anyone could explain the odd appearance in the poor wee thing??
It’s missing most of its head feathers, either through disease or a failed predatory event.
Yes its head has a slick look about it, like it's been doused in something but probably not. Will the feathers recover/regrow in time?
If it lives then yes, it will regrow the feathers during the next moult.
Breeding birds often look a terrible mess at the end of the season. Not sure how far south you are, but this could be a parent that's now finished for the season.
Thanks for your response. Certainly a tough life these wee guys have. I'm located in St. Andrews, Scotland
Thanks. Possibly not gone through a full breeding season then. Ours here are still being fed in the box and we're a long way south of St. Andrews......even the football ground in Birmingham!