identification
Posted by Susan B on July 26, 2006
Q: I live near Kansas City, MO. In my backyard I saw a bird I have never seen before. It had a body that appeared to be a cardinal but the head looked like a vulture. It was black and featherless. I haven't been able to find a picture. Can you help?
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: Missouri
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: I think I know what you saw. Cardinals molt at this time of year and they often lose all of their head feathers at once and look really different. Blue Jays often do the same and it makes you think you're see a whole different species. If you see this bird regularly over the next week or so, my guess is that you'll begin to see new feather growth. Hope this solves your "mystery". Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( July 27, 2006)