[GaryS]

Hi everyone - two questions please:

I have recently noted two birds who were clearly in their spring /early summer plumage despite it being the middle of winter. The birds in question were a male linnet (Bright crimson forehead) and a male reed bunting (very bold black head markings).

1) Is this fairly common in these species?
2) More generally - are seasonal plumages often very variable?

Many thanks

Cheers

Gary

[Xenospiza]

Both these birds obtain their summer plumage by their feathers becoming worn (abrasion)… so there is some variation in when they appear to be in summer plumage again.
On the other hand, Black-headed Gulls get their hood by moult. Although this is usually quite synchronized (moult is triggered by hormones, which are formed in response to day length), some already show a dark head as early as November!

[nickderry]

Also in Summer, birds whose breeding attempts have failed will often go through their post-breeding moult a lot sooner than expected, hence so called winter-plumaged black-headed gulls in July.

[GaryS]

Many thanks for your help - very interesting to note that the spring/early summer plumage was there all the time, waiting to be revealed.

Regards

Gary