Cardinals with vulture-like heads? Ah, the difficulties of identification

By Thelma Dalmas
Published: July 1, 2008

When trying to identify a bird, most people tend to focus on the color pattern of the individual. In fact, this characteristic is emphasized in the field guides that we all use.

Of course, it is an easy feature to see. And, generally speaking, a particular species of bird will look like its picture in the book.

Occasionally, however, a bird is seen that has a color or plumage abnormality. When this happens, the observer is sometimes stumped.

Every summer, I receive questions about birds that have no feathers on their heads. The mystified callers usually describe an individual that, in many aspects, resembles a cardinal, but has a black, bald head. Occasionally, this condition is observed in bluejays. In both instances, the affected individual is often described as vulture-like in appearance.

Although the condition is fairly common in both these species, it is not well understood. Some ornithologists think it may be the result of mite infestation. Birds can usually remove mites from most of their feathers by preening, but it is not possible for a bird to preen its own head. Other ideas that have been put forward are that this bizarre plumage is tied to nutritional deficiencies or even fungal infection.

The most widely held belief is that the lack of feathers on the head is related to the seasonal molt. All birds periodically replace their feathers, but usually this takes place gradually. The feathers are shed a few at a time, and the new ones grow in as the old ones are lost. However, a small percentage of cardinals and bluejays seem to lose all of the head feathers at once.

Evidence that this might indeed be a genetic trait comes from both wildlife rehab centers and at least one banding study. An injured bluejay (not capable of living in the wild) was observed for eight years in captivity, and each summer she molted all of the head feathers simultaneously. A bander in South Carolina recaptured a cardinal that also “went bald” at least two years.

Although there is no real consensus explaining the cause of this baldness, there is agreement that the malady seems to be temporary. If you happen to see one of these birds at your feeder, you may notice that, over time, feathers will begin to sprout on the head. Aside from looking peculiar, it doesn’t seem to have any impact on an individual. So, if you have a visitor that is having a “bad hair day,” just be patient. The “miniature vulture” will soon be transfigured back into its own handsome self.

News and Notes
Gene Sattler recently mailed the compilation of the breeding census conducted in early June. We had a record-high number of participants, 38, covering the 15-mile circle centered at Lynchburg College. Species reported in very good numbers were 153 tree swallows, 228 bluebirds and 412 cardinals. We continue to have two active bald eagle nests within our count territory. Other species found this year, which we sometimes miss, include chuck-wills-widow, cerulean warbler and cliff swallow. The total number of species observed on the census was 102.