Bald and No Tail Feathers

[Mitty]

Hello,

I noticed a strange bird (I'm thinking a young blackbird) in the garden about a month ago. It had no feathers on the forehead and no tail feathers, and is in the same state now.

I was wondering whether this is actually a juvenile blackbird and whether it will ever grow tail feathers? It can fly short distances into low trees and is managing to feed itself very well.

Has anyone else ever seen this? Any idea what causes it?

Thanks,
Mitty

[Littlesparrow]

i'm no expert but that beak looks a bit pointy to me for a blackbird

[RKB]

It's an adult female blackbird (probably a year old).

It's either moulting or it's had an accident.

[LRM]

Strange coincidence. A few days ago I noticed a blackbird without a tail. At first I thought it was a young one, but on closer inspections I believe it is either an adult female or at least a well grown youngster. When it turned I saw a bald patch on its rump. I suspect that it has had its tail feathers ripped out, possibly by a cat. Usually the feather moult a few at a time, they can look dishelleved but not as bad as this one.

[Mitty]

Thank you for your replies. I'm glad she isn't suffereing from an illness or parasites. She seems strong enough to recover, if there was an accident - hope it's just moulting though.

The strangeness always catches my attention, I'm interested to see how long it takes the new feathers to completely form.