What was wrong with this poor bird?

[mamma-p]

Looking through my photos I came across this one and thought I'd ask what the experts think of it. I watched this poor bird as it grew and it never seemed to get feathers on it's head and I wondered if it had been pecked by the others. As it grew it was obvious that something was wrong with the poor thing then one day it just didn't come back. . I felt so sorry for him .

[RKB]

It's an adult female Blackbird (yellow bill and orbital ring, plain brown back). I'm guessing this photo was taken in mid-late summer, so it is probably just undergoing the annual moult. Some adult birds do seem to lose most of the head feathers at this stage, but it is temporary (a couple of weeks).

[mamma-p]

That's great news Thank you, I was worried unnecessarily then . I called her my ugly duckling and will know next time what is happening.

[counterlady]

An other interesting fact that I have just found out - cheers for the info.