Description
This image shows an adult male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) undergoing its annual late-summer "catastrophic molt" or head molt. During this completely natural phase, cardinals and blue jays may drop all their head feathers simultaneously, temporarily exposing their dark black skin and giving them a striking, prehistoric, or "bald" appearance. Note: On average this form of molt only happens to approximately 1 in 5 of 20% of the population. August is the best month to observe it though, so keep your eyes peeled on your feeders and shrubbery.
Taken By
Derek Grant
Taken On
August 13, 2026
Tagged
animal
bird
red
branch
beak
twig
Assignments
Wildlife
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Focal:
480
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Shutter speed:
0.003125
sec
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Aperture: f/
10
