Unusual makings on a Tits breast feathers. West Derby UK today (1 Viewer)

RichieTwitchy

YNWA

• Apr 7, 2018

• #1

Hi all

I was watching the derby today - poor match as with most derbies - and I noticed this fella on the nieghbours hedge at the back and just took a couple of snaps through the patio windows before he flew off.

I take it he's a Great Tit, but look at those unusual breast feather markings. Could he be a cross/hybrid? Or is this quite 'usual' with this species.

thanks

 

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KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Apr 7, 2018

• #2

With all the GTs I've seen on this Forum, it sure looks different.

 

Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Apr 7, 2018

• #3

Can't be anything other than Great Tit, looks to have missing feathers to me?

You can clearly see a step, a difference between the depth of the yellow and black feathers, you can also see some of the grey, down feathers.


A

 

B

BimmyB

Well-known member

• Apr 7, 2018

• #4

It's possible that the extra dark markings on the breast are extreme feather wear - I had a female House Sparrow with a similar marking across her breast a few years back and couldn't work it out, someone at the BTO suggested it was feather wear consistent with squeezing in and out of a tight hole (nest hole) and the tips of the feathers wearing down to the downy bases. That seems to explain the slight crescent shape to the markings in the upper section.

Hope this helps.

 

RichieTwitchy

YNWA

• Apr 7, 2018

• #5

Thanks for the input guys - very interesting.

Feather wear and missing feathers - all good explanations of what can be seen.

If he pops around again then I'll try and get a better photo.

thanks :t: