Scruffy corvids

Adult birds aren't looking their best this time of year. After a hectic breeding season most are starting their annual post breeding moult. I've been ringing a fair number of corvids in the garden recently and they are probably among the scruffiest birds imaginable.

Ive ringed good number s of Jays and the majority have been moulting adults. They look like they've been attacked by feather mites but it's just a natural part of their annual moult cycle.

Above:adult Jay undergoing primary moult. The old primaries (last years) are faded and brown. P7 (numbered from the inside) is still growing.

Above: same bird as open wing photo above. Undergoing body moult as well.

Above: Another scruffy individual. Its wing moult isn't so far advanced as the previous bird and it has 5 old primaries still to replace.

Above: adult Magpie undergoing primary moult and just starting body moult. This bird was aged as Euring 6 based on the amount of white in the smallest primary (P10). Juveniles and 2nd calendar year birds have more extensive black tips.

Not the prettiest birds but instructive and interesting.