Molting Cardinal

Molting is a process by which birds replace their old feathers with new ones. It usually happens once a year, beginning in late summer and lasting into fall.

Molting happens when the weather starts to cool down. Cardinals, in particular, have a very distinct molting process.

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.

Cardinals molt in late summer and early fall. The phenomenal 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.

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.

--- gfmoutdoors.com

 

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