[Tweeters] Tailess Towhees

[Greg Pluth]

Tweets -
Over the last few days I've been noticing a male Spotted Towhee with
absolutely no tail feathers. I have seen this several times with towhees
only over the years. I'm not sure if they were all at this time in the
spring. Though I've never heard other birders (or anyone for that matter)
discussing it, I'm nearly positive I can't be the only one to have observed
it. I also have not seen tailess birds subsequently sprouting new stubby
tail feathers. I have conjectured to myself that there may be a cat
somewhere with a mouthful of tail feathers, and I can't imagine an April
Towhee molting out all tail feathers at once.

Anyone out there knowledgeable on the subject? I'd be interested to know!

Greg Pluth
University Place
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