RE: [MDOsprey] RE: BALD CARDINALS

Hershberger, Wilbur (WHershbe@afrs.ars.usda.gov)
Wed, 18 Aug 1999 14:42:35 -0400


This appears to be caused by parasites.  Whether they are feather lice
or something else I don't know.  There are always a few Cardinals like
this around from mid-July until they under go their per-basic molt.  The
skin of Cardinals is usually lighter and the dark color must be from
exposure to the sun.  
Further, I don't know if the birds remove the feathers by scratching or
if the irritation from the parasites cause the feathers to molt
prematurely.
My two cents,
Wilbur
Fred. Co.