Blackbird with feathers problem?

ellen h · #1 (**permalink**) 28-02-2009, 07:11 PM

Noticed this blackbird has a plume of feathers on its side.Not sure if its a feather problem or has a growth or injury causing it.Seems perfectly ok,feeding and flying normally.....
ellen

sunnydale · #2 (**permalink**) 28-02-2009, 08:00 PM

Looks like he's had an argument with something....a cat possibly

Seems to look lively though and if he's feeding and flying properly, then he should be OK

Jason Green · #3 (**permalink**) 28-02-2009, 08:05 PM

I thought it may have been caused by a territorial dust-up, but on looking closer the feathers look... additional,... the rest of his plumage shows no sign of disturbance, if not I'd have thought you'd have seen the part they were missing/torn from... but I can't!

Glad it isn't affecting him though, anyway

Picidae · #4 (**permalink**) 28-02-2009, 08:17 PM

Firstly, very nice pics Ellen!

My guess he's been in a fight with another male Blackbird ... they are getting very territorial now and frequently come to feather blows! The feathers have almost been pulled out by the shafts (also note the pale feathers showing in the downy area on the flank to the rear of the feather protrusions, suggesting displacement) so will probably fall out of their own accord and replaced at the next moult after breeding. A cat attack is a possibility but I would have thought a flank attack serious enough to pull out a bunch of feathers like that would have left a serious and possible fatal injury and there's no sign of feather damage elsewhere. Sometimes lice infection can prompt a fall of feathers but usually this is more evident around the face and head. Either way, he looks pretty healthy!