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aberant molt of rectrices (1 Viewer)

zoutedrop

zoutedrop
aberrant molt of rectrices

Typically tail molt starts from the inside out,
that is, R1 then R2, etc. It is also typical that
the rectrices fall in matched pairs. A couple of
days ago I did a patio census and caught two
young males with an asymmetrical molt. I
have been doing this for years and can assure
you this is highly unusual. The first is a RUHU
and the second is a BCHU.
 

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  • JV8A3993_20170917_145245 RUHU.jpg
    JV8A3993_20170917_145245 RUHU.jpg
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  • JV8A5003_20170917_153537 BCHU.jpg
    JV8A5003_20170917_153537 BCHU.jpg
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Last edited:
All birds can drop tail feathers through trauma i.e being caught, I've witnessed it, could this be a factor here?

Strange that these two birds have an identical moult pattern though?


A
 
I have collected a number of asymmetrical tail photos and all of
them have a right side bias. I also thought that something was
up. There is a species is South America, the Long-tailed Hermit,
that asymmetrically molts its rectrices 25% of the time. I could
not find a study that included asymmetry for a US hummer.

In prior postings the issue of injury came up. I can see that
happening for two or three feathers, but for all five on one side
for two birds is a bit tough to accept.

I am interested in your tail injury experience.
your experience.
 
I have collected a number of asymmetrical tail photos and all of
them have a right side bias. I also thought that something was
up. There is a species is South America, the Long-tailed Hermit,
that asymmetrically molts its rectrices 25% of the time. I could
not find a study that included asymmetry for a US hummer.

In prior postings the issue of injury came up. I can see that
happening for two or three feathers, but for all five on one side
for two birds is a bit tough to accept.

I am interested in your tail injury experience.
your experience.

It's not tail injury, the trauma of being caugfht can cause the instant loss of tail feathers in the hand.


A
 
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