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JOHN W DAYTON
Storrs, Mansfield, CT, USA
This cardinal has been at our feeder for several months now. It is pretty much devoid of feathers on its head. I don’t believe this is an abnormal molting process. I haven’t noticed any change at all. Could it be some disease process? Otherwise, seems healthy. I don’t know what the circle/spot is under the eye.
Bald-headed
Category: Bald-headed
I’m not sure exactly what the circle is but I know it’s normal because other pictures of bald cardinals have them. This is actually a pretty normal molting process for Cardinals. It’s abnormal molting but it does them no harm and it’s pretty common. It could be caused by mites though, so if the feathers don’t return soon then it could be mites.
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