Bald Blackbirds..

[Wakey Dave]

Hi all/anyone. I am new to this forum, which I discovered whilst trying to obtain information in relation to something strange that seems to be going on within the Blackbird population (at least in the West Yorks area)
Over the course of the last year or so, I have noticed a large percentage of (mostly male) and specifically Blackbirds seem to be showing signs of serious feather loss and/or albinoism? Oddly enuff, I chanced upon this site after spotting a similar image of 'The Bald Blackbird of Birmingham'! posted within this forum..
Can anyone help?? Info or other sightings further afield? Any explanations?
I would suggest that Parasite infection is the main cause. Anyone carte to elaborate. Strange that I have only noticed this in Blackbirds..Hmmm???

[valleyforge]

Hi WD, and welcome to the forum.

I have seen this before in a couple of male blackbirds, and also in a magpie, all of which were in extended periods of care with us at the refuge, due to eye injuries or wing fractures.

In none of these birds was there at that time any evidence of feather mites or other parasite infestation, they all had a good, carefully balanced diet, and none showed any outward signs of feeling increased levels of stress.

All 3 however moulted pretty much all of the feathers on the head ... and in fact did so on more than one occasion, although it wasn't an annual occurance ... most time the moult would be normal, with a gradual loss and replacement of feathers.

In all cases though, the feathers grew back within a couple of weeks, to produce nice healthy, glossy plumage.

In one of the blackbirds (which was quite elderly) however, there would be the occasional white patch on some of the feathers, but these also would be replaced at the following moult, with all black feathers.

I don't have a full explanation for what causes this, but it doesn't seem to be particularly detrimental to the bird (other than perhaps a slight loss of dignity and self-esteem).

I have suspected vitamin deficiency, but in one blackbird the addition of vitamin supplements did not prevent the baldness.

As I have only ever encountered this in male birds, I suspect it may be due to a hormonal imbalance ... perhaps manifesting only in those birds which have been unable to mate.

I'd love to hear from anyone else with any other possible theories.

[Steve_In_Cheshire]

I have noticed this in a couple of our blackbirds, mainly the males. One has white around the outside of both of his eyes and it looks like he is wearing an old pair of flying goggles if you know what i mean, it doesn`t affect him ay all as he eats and drinks for england.

At first i thought it was from fighting as quite a few of our regular males get involved in boxing matches but the feathers would have grown back ages ago and this white around the eyes has been with him for ages, a couple of the other blackbirds have similar in other areas yet some of the other males are perfect black without a feather out of place.

[ellen h]

Originally Posted by Steve_In_Cheshire

I have noticed this in a couple of our blackbirds, mainly the males. One has white around the outside of both of his eyes and it looks like he is wearing an old pair of flying goggles if you know what i mean, it doesn`t affect him ay all as he eats and drinks for england.

At first i thought it was from fighting as quite a few of our regular males get involved in boxing matches but the feathers would have grown back ages ago and this white around the eyes has been with him for ages, a couple of the other blackbirds have similar in other areas yet some of the other males are perfect black without a feather out of place.

I have noticed this with two blackbirds that come into my garden
ellen

[Wakey Dave]

Thanks Ellen for your response,, This most definately a strange phenomena. I did consider the annual moult, parasites and fighting but I cant help feeling that there could well be more to this. Some of the specimens I have observed seem to be exhibiting severe feather loss, mainly abdominally, whilst others demonstrate unusual 'albino markings'. Having spent many a season observing wildlife generally, this is most definately a new experience. Thanks again for the input...

Regards

Wakey Dave

[andywolves]

We have a robin who frequents the garden with a totally bald head...the kids and other 'arf have called him Andy. Tad harsh, methinks.
Andy

[stick of rock]

I too have a balding blackbird. He is very confident and is now rearing his second clutch of chicks this year

We have a small suburban garden in Derbyshire and feed all year round

I first noticed his patch in February and it is increasing in size. I was hoping for a hint of a cure here but it seems that there is nothing I can do. This must lead to a more serious health problem .... have you seen them in heavy rain? It's pitiful

[DuncanE]

I saw one this mornig on my way to work - no feathers on his head and tail missing, it must be that time of year and the stress showing from raising young blackbirds!

[birdygran]

Blackbird feather loss -in my mothers' garden in Derbyshire, there is a resident male blackbird which in spring appeared with white circles around the eyes, then a week or so later had lost most of his breast feathers and the bare area looked red and sore. Then a couple of weeks later, another red, raw featherless patch was visible on his back at the base of his tail. He is quite aggressive - I've watched him see off a couple of Jackdaws, who were intent on feeding on stuff we'd thrown onto the lawn. He seems to eat well, drinks regularly. I haven't managed to establish whether or not he has a mate, as there are quite a few male and female blackbirds regularly in the garden.
It would be good to find out what is causing this seemingly widespread problem, and if there's anything that could help these beautiful birds!

[Steve_In_Cheshire]

Ive noticed a couple more male blackbirds that seem to have this in various areas, i wonder what the cause is ?

It doesn`t seem to affect them from what ive seen, i don`t know if it causes any problems that are not obvious to the eye.