• Deborah
      Participant
      Chirps: 7
      AF3E5EAB-7989-4AE0-8F89-CA213FD1A84DIn the last couple of months I have seen a Eurasian collared dove that was missing its largest tail feathers and a white crowned sparrow missing all of its tail feathers. Both birds appear otherwise healthy and are able to fly without difficulty. I don’t have a photo of the sparrow and the dove is a little blurry. Does anyone know what would cause this? Are they just molting?
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    • Pigeons and doves have tail feathers that fall out easily in response to a fright or close call with a predator to allow them to escape if the predator was to grab  or try to grab ahold of them.
      • Deborah
        Participant
        Chirps: 7
        • Thank you for the information - it does make sense - we do see a hawk every once in a while, and also cats in the yard.
    • Deborah
      Participant
      Chirps: 7
      Thank you, Miles, for your response
    • Miles
      Participant
      Chirps: 6
      That seems unusual for all of the tail feathers to be missing. I don't think its molting
    • Miles
      Participant
      Chirps: 6
      They may have been attacked by a predator.