Common Myna (bald)
Acridotheres tristis
22.5726, 88.3639
Field Notes
Description:
The head is almost just the skull but the bird was healthy, actively stalking and flying strongly.
Normally chocolate coloured feathers would have covered the head.
Habitat:
Urban residential area.
Notes:
I have seen such birds elsewhere too: https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/2087306002
https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/279786002
During my research days, there was this very aggressive crow that had learnt to snatch discarded pesticide-treated animals...it was bald. Such is NOT the case here.
Adding some notes on Baldness in Birds: Cause, partial moulting, mites, injury, poor nutrition, pollution, genetics even OVER-preening by mate...all may be reasons.
http://bioacoustics.cse.unsw.edu.au/birding-aus/1997-01/msg00071.html
https://www.thespruce.com/bald-birds-386455
Comments (9)