American Redstart - Setophaga ruticilla - adult female in heavy moult (1)
This bird is in a confusing plumage, not really matching closely any native species. But if you look at the condition of the feathers, you can see just about all feathers are worn and frayed. This eliminates this as a bird hatched this year since they would be in pristine plumage with fresh feathers. Thus, we are likely looking at an adult in heavy moult. The shape of the bill suggests this is a wood- warbler. There is an orange-yellow patch on the side of the breast at the bend of the wing. The only Canadian warbler with such as patch is an American Redstart. But redstarts typically have long, colourful tails in any plumage. So the only logical conclusion is that this adult female has also lost its tail and is starting to grow it back in. Prince George, BC. July 31, 2014.
American Redstart - Setophaga ruticilla - adult female in heavy moult (1)
This bird is in a confusing plumage, not really matching closely any native species. But if you look at the condition of the feathers, you can see just about all feathers are worn and frayed. This eliminates this as a bird hatched this year since they would be in pristine plumage with fresh feathers. Thus, we are likely looking at an adult in heavy moult. The shape of the bill suggests this is a wood- warbler. There is an orange-yellow patch on the side of the breast at the bend of the wing. The only Canadian warbler with such as patch is an American Redstart. But redstarts typically have long, colourful tails in any plumage. So the only logical conclusion is that this adult female has also lost its tail and is starting to grow it back in. Prince George, BC. July 31, 2014.