Hi there,
I have a male blackbird in my garden who has been losing feathers mainly around his neck and front over the past month or so, alhough his tail feathers are now very short. He does a lot of shaking of his feathers when stationary and I was just wondering if anyone knows what might be causing this.
He and his "Mrs" have successfully raised three sets of chicks in my garden this year. His manoeuvring during flight is somewhat erratic due to the feather loss....
Thanks,
I read recently that this is one of the most frequent questions asked....and that it's perfectly normal for a blackbird to lose feathers at this time of year. I can't remember where I read it but it was a very interesting read. I have all sorts of black feathers dotted around the lawn at the moment, presumeably from a moulting blackbird. I wouldn't worry too much about him :)
EDIT to add - Just seen the scruffiest individual ever in my garden - one female blackbird. What a state she was in!
Make the most of today because, unlike Sky+, there isn't a rewind button.
yep, you're right Paula - at this time of year blackbirds (and other species) go through a moult of their feathers after the breeding season - sounds like this one has been busy if he's had 3 broods. They do end up looking a bit strange for a while but once it's finished he'll be looking great with a new set of feathers ready for the winter. it is perfectly normal and happens every year. You can read more about it on the RSPB website here
Help swifts by letting us know what they're up to - fill in the 2010 survey
Thank you LRB and Paula!