The cardinal is one of my favorite birds. I was so excited when I saw one at the feeder in my backyard. However, I was dismayed when a few days later, I noticed it had lost all its feathers. I wondered what was happening. Do cardinals molt?
I did some research and found out that cardinals go through a molt every year.
Quick Answer
Yes, cardinals molt. During molting, cardinals lose all their feathers and grow new ones. It’s a process that takes about four weeks. During that time, they are unable to fly or hunt and mainly rely on others for food.
Before we dive into exactly how cardinals molt, let’s first handle the basics.
What is Molting?
Molting is the process by which birds replace their old feathers with new ones. It usually happens once a year, beginning in late summer and lasting into the fall.
Molting happens when the weather starts to cool down, and like in my case, you may start noticing that the birds in your backyard are beginning to change color. Cardinals, in particular, have a very distinct molting process.
Understanding Cardinals
The cardinal is one of the most commonly seen birds in the United States. Cardinals are not rare, and both male and female cardinals can be found in abundance in their habitats.
Cardinals are a beautiful sight to see, and their song is cheerful and welcoming. They are also very social birds, and they like to build their nests in close proximity to other cardinals.
Cardinals are hardy birds, and they can thrive in a variety of climates and different parts of the world. They are also adaptable and can live in rural and urban areas.
Do cardinals molt?
Molting starts with the head and neck feathers. The new feathers grow underneath the old ones. Then, the bird begins to preen. This is when it spreads a special oil over its feathers that keeps them waterproof and helps them stay clean.
After the head and neck are done, the bird starts on its body. The new feathers push the old ones out until all the feathers are entirely replaced.
When do Cardinals Molt?
Cardinals molt in late summer and early fall. The phenomenon usually happens following the breeding season but can also occur during a time of surplus food (when the birds can build up a layer of body fat to help them through the molting process).
How long is the Molting Period of Cardinals?
Molting in cardinals generally takes a month. A week after they lose their feathers, tiny new feathers will start to grow. The cardinal’s crest will return and be perfectly normal in a month.
What does a Molting Cardinal Look Like?
Most songbirds lose a few feathers and regrow them almost immediately. This means that their molting is hardly noticeable. However, molting in cardinals is the complete opposite; most cardinals lose all their head feathers all at once!
When molting, a cardinal has areas of dark, exposed skin on its head or body. This is caused by the new feathers coming in, which are not yet fully colored. The skin will eventually grow in with the new feathers and will blend in with the rest of the bird’s plumage.
What are the Consequences of Cardinal Molting?
Molting cardinals typically eat more than usual during the process, as their bodies need the extra energy to replace feathers. They also drink more water and may take baths more often. Most molting cardinals can fly, but they may not be able to fly as well as they normally do until their new feathers grow in completely.
Molting is a very demanding process, both physically and mentally. It can take a lot of energy for a cardinal to molt, and it can also be quite stressful. That’s why it’s essential for birds to get plenty of rest and nutrition during this process.
FAQs
Is cardinal baldness only caused by molting?
There are several reasons why a cardinal might lose its feathers to baldness. Molting is the most common, but baldness can also be caused by parasites, infection, or injury.
For example, one possible explanation for baldness in cardinal birds is avian feather mites. These tiny creatures can cause extensive feather loss and are most commonly found on the head and neck of their hosts.
Additionally, if a cardinal isn’t getting enough protein, fat, or vitamins in its diet, it may start to lose its feathers. Finally, any form of injury can cause a cardinal to lose feathers.
Do juvenile cardinals molt?
For cardinals, the molting process begins as soon as the young birds leave the nest. They lose the downy feathers they need for warmth and grow the contour feathers with a tan hue that gives the birds their characteristic color and shape. The entire molting process for cardinal juveniles lasts about six weeks.
Do cardinals molt: Conclusion
Molting is a process that most, if not all, cardinals undergo to grow and replace their feathers. It’s a time of change for the cardinal, both physically and emotionally.
The molting process can be difficult, but it’s ultimately necessary for the cardinal’s well-being.
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