When you find a feather on the ground, what does it mean?

It is the time of year when obvious change is occurring in nature; almost everywhere it seems. The leaves on the trees and shrubs turn color and fall to the ground. The green of the grass fades to brown. Even, domestic pets are shedding their summer coats to grow winter ones. Therefore, it would seem logical that wild birds would be changing their feathers also, a process called molting.

Specifically, molting is the loss of old, worn out feathers and their replacement with new ones. Feathers are made of a protein called keratin, as are human hair and nails. They experience constant stress and sustain damage over time, particularly from daily activities, such as flying, preening and contact with foliage. These acts cause friction that creates wear. In addition, the keratin weakens as the feathers age and cannot be repaired. Therefore, old and damaged feathers need to be shed and new healthy, stronger ones grow to maintain a protective outer layer and warm insulating inner layer, as well as allow for flight. These qualities are necessary for survival.

According to everythingbirds.com, four types of molting exist. The first type is juvenile to adult. Baby birds lose their downy feathers to grow their juvenile plumage, which is subsequently lost to adult color and patterns. Larger birds require a couple of molting cycles to obtain their adult plumage.

The second and third types intertwine: non-breeding to breeding and breeding to non-breeding. In the spring, many male birds annually grow highly colored feathers in order to attract a mate. Various scientific studies have confirmed that males with the brightest plumage are most successful at finding a mate. Even Charles Darwin noted this phenomenon. However, when breeding season ends, the males will molt to duller colors, which allow them to blend with their surroundings for safety. In addition, these non-breeding season feathers provide better insulation for colder weather.

Finally, the fourth type is general feather replacement. It occurs in species that do not molt for breeding reasons. Instead, these birds replace worn feathers to maintain a healthy plumage.

However, if an individual feather is damaged or lost between moltings, a new one will grow.

Also, birds can experience a complete or partial molt, depending on the species. Usually, smaller ones replace their feathers in their entirety one time annually, but sometimes twice in one year, if the males use plumage to attract mates. It may last as little as two weeks. However, larger birds require more energy for a complete molt. Therefore, these species, such as eagles, do not grow a new set of feathers every year. Instead, they replace individual primary and secondary feathers on their wings, which can require years. Nor does this molting occur randomly, but in a symmetrical pattern to support balance while in flight.

An obvious sign that an adult bird is molting is a disheveled appearance, seemingly injured or sick or just strange. Birds with crests, such as cardinals and blue jays, may loose them. A missing feather may be noticeable in tails or wings, although a bird will attempt to overlap adjacent feathers to conceal any bare places. These gaps exist because the quills of worn feathers must loosen and nearly fall out before a new one can begin to grow.

However, unlike other flora and fauna, which change in late summer or fall, most North American birds begin molting in July. It is a carefully timed part of the yearly cycle because it requires much energy, as does raising chicks and migration.

Frequently, molting for adults occurs when juvenile birds are half grown and before fall migration. For example, adult grouse molt between July and September, while their offspring from that year molt to acquire adult plumage in August and September. Similarly, with Canada geese, when the chicks are half grown, the parents loose their feathers and cannot fly for approximately three weeks. However, the feathers on each grow simultaneously, so the offspring and parents are ready to fly and migrate together. One of the most dramatic moltings occurs to the male mallard. Around May to June, they travel to secluded safe areas where they experience an eclipse molt, which the complete loss of all of their flight feathers simultaneously and their colorful plumage; they cannot fly for two to three weeks. In fact, they resemble female mallards. However, their temporary dull brown color provides camouflage for protection from predators.

To help during the molting process, when all birds will hide and be reclusive somewhat, plant native bushes, ground cover or shrubs, preferably ones that provide food at the time of molting. High quality nutrition, particularly protein, is important to feather regeneration. Insects will be attracted to the vegetation and be consumed by the birds. Few or poor quality sources of food can cause thin or poorly formed plumage, hindering the birds’ ability to survive. Additionally, native flora will provide cover and protection from heat. Finally, a ground or low source of water would be of assistance.

Molting is a stage that usually is unnoticed by most people. However, it is a complex biological process. In fact, it is so important that an entire reference book has been devoted to it. To learn more, since exceptions exist to the general processes discussed in this article, you may wish to read Peterson Reference Guide to Molt in North American Birds by Steve N.G. Howell or other books. Then, observe your local birds.

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