What It Means If You See A ‘Bald’ Bird With No Head Feathers
It's quite a shock to look out at your feeder and see a cardinal or blue jay that looks like a miniature vulture. Seeing a bald bird can be alarming and might make you worry about the health of your backyard visitors, but while it looks concerning, it's usually a natural occurrence or a temporary condition. Here are the main causes behind a bald-headed bird.
The Catastrophic Molt
Many birds replace their feathers once or twice a year in a process called molting. Usually, this happens gradually so they can still fly and stay warm. However, some birds experience what is known as a catastrophic molt, meaning they lose all their head feathers at the same time. It looks strange and prehistoric, but the feathers generally grow back within a few weeks. It is particularly common in Northern Cardinals and Blue Jays during late summer, especially if it's a juvenile bird growing into their adult feathers. You might see exposed black skin which makes them look even more startling.
Mites and Parasites
Sometimes the cause is a bit more uncomfortable. Birds can suffer from mites or lice that infest their head and neck area. Because a bird cannot preen its own head with its beak, it relies on scratching with its feet. Excessive scratching to relieve the itch can inadvertently pull out feathers. If the skin looks red or crusted rather than smooth and dark, parasites might be the culprit.
The Stress of Breeding
The breeding season is a demanding time for our avian neighbors. During territorial disputes or mating rituals, birds can become aggressive with one another. It is not uncommon for a bird to have a few feathers plucked from its head during a scuffle with a rival. Nesting is also hard work that takes a physical toll. This type of feather loss usually appears patchy rather than completely bald.
Fungal or Bacterial Infections
While less common than molting or mites, skin infections can also cause feather loss. Fungal or bacterial issues can damage the follicles and prevent feathers from staying in place. If you notice a bird that seems lethargic or weak in addition to being bald, it might be sick. If you suspect an outbreak of illness in your yard, the responsible thing to do is take down your feeders for a couple of weeks to encourage the birds to disperse.
How You Can Help
The best thing you can do is maintain a sanitary environment. Dirty bird feeders are hotspots for spreading mites and diseases that can ruin plumage. Take the time to scrub your feeders with a diluted bleach solution regularly. Providing high energy foods like suet or black oil sunflower seeds can help them regrow their feathers faster. Mealworms are an excellent supplement during molting season because they provide the building blocks needed for rapid feather growth. A clean birdbath is also essential to help them wash away parasites.
Seeing a bald bird is certainly a memorable sight, but try not to be too worried. In most cases, that funny looking bird is perfectly healthy and just going through an awkward phase. Keep your binoculars handy and watch them over the coming weeks. You will likely get to see the pin feathers emerge and the bird return to its former glory.