Feather loss caused by mites?

[gen2]

I wonder how common it is for robins to suffer major feather loss?

I ask because I came across one this week at a local nature reserve. It had lost most of the feathers from its head and neck but the rest of its body looked healthy. I therefore deduce it has something to do with preening since the loss is confined to the areas that the beak cannot reach. Last year I saw photos of a blackbird in a similar condition. Possibly mites are eating away at the feathers - maybe even carpet-beetle larvae?

I also observed that the body feathers were fluffed out as in winter, presumably to compensate for heat loss from the head area.

Has anyone on here seen similarly affected birds?


You can see two pictures of my poor specimen on the following links.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gen2/6938190648/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gen2/6938190872/

[Daij]

I have a cockatiel who suffered from mites and he was treated successfully by a vet who introduced liquid medication to the affected areas - so the affliction could be addressed. I guess your problem would be actually getting the bird to a vet. Would it be possible for you or the people at the reserve to catch the bird?

[gen2]

I don't think that would be a good idea Daij. At this time of year there is almost certainly a mate and a nest nearby. They would suffer if this bird was removed. I prefer to let nature take its course. Most biologists would agree.

In any case, you would need a licence to capture a wild bird.