Scruffy Birds

[rutineli]

I have experienced a few scruffy looking birds in my time but just lately I have been noticing some of the feathered variety (for a change) in my garden.
One in particular is a male blackbird that looks as though it has been dragged through a hedge backwards while having a blow dry. The feathers ar sticking out all over the place and his aerodynamics must be seriously depleted as a result.
My first thought was trhat it was some kind of moulting cycle, but he has not improved over the past 3 weeks and neither has his popularity with the other birds.
Since then I have noticed a female blackbird in a lesser state of "scruff" but along similar lines and today a young Magpie looks as though it is in need of the beautician too.
I thought that they would preen themselves tidy but the first chap shows no signs of improving after 3 weeks. So what do you think is going on??

[wildwood]

Several possibilities.
Hard to say without seeing the birds.
Breeding can be hard on some birds if they are not in tiptop condition to start with.
Some of the older birds are nearing the end of their life and are weaker, so being chased away from the food by the competition.
Could be an outbreak of excessive feather mites. It will right itself in time.

[Robinia]

I know what you mean & I agree with wildwood... maybe it's been a hectic breeding season for them! My blackies start off the year looking all smart & dandy & by the end of nesting some of them are lucky if they've 3 feathers & a flea!

[burnhal]

Its in general why it goes pretty quiet on the bird front from now till late August- knackered from the breeding season and going through the moult. Ducks for instance are unable to fly during the moult- which is why the drakes go into 'eclipse'- effectively the females plumage, to make hiding away easier...makes life more difficult for us birders too!

[Sir Alec]

I also have one of these blackbirds. I've named him Jacques in honour of Jacques Tati (Tatty Jack ie). He's used to me now as I always make sure he has plenty to eat. The starlings are huge in number and aggressive towards him. His tatty state does not seem to bother him but I notice that he "sunbathes" a heck of a lot, so I'm wondering if it is indeed mites causing this shabby appearance. Interesting to know there are more out there!

[alfieblue]

Hi rutineli!

We have a very tame blackbird nicknamed yellowbeak!! He's been visiting our garden for quite a few years now and is such a character! We have seen many of his chicks over the years!

He goes from sleek to scruffy every year!! And yes, at the end of the season, he looks like he has been dragged backwards through a hedge - missing feathers, half tail feathers and ummm - well - not looking his best!!!!

Yet, he will disappear for quite some time then reappear looking sleek and handsome ready to nest and enjoy our garden (and our hospitality) once again!!! :o)

[rutineli]

Well I definitly recognise the two first cousins in SirAlec and alfieblues gardens and the sunbathing routine is a daily ritual too. He stretches out one wing at a time and has a preen and a peck. He looks like one of those wooly floor polisher mops.
The backbird population is massive in Lincolnshire as are the thrushes and chaffinches this year. Lots of Jackdaws too and magpies and doves etc. etc.
I have a special tame one too who practically sits on my lap and eats the food I take out. Cheers Chaps.