Whether from molting or escaping a predator, this wren has no tail feathers. That doesn’t seem to hinder him from doing normal activities such as flying and eating. Over time, his tail feathers will begin to grow in.
“Well, either a tail is there or it isn’t there. You can’t make a mistake about it. And yours isn’t there!” ~A. A. Milne
I would guess a predator. Poor thing. They adapt well, to those kind of issues. Excellent photos.
Thanks! He just keeps on going and doesn’t let it bother him. 🙂
Poor little bird, but it doesn’t affect his balance nor anything else, so he either made a lucky escape, or is immersed in molting. He is enjoying the seeds you put out for him (and is defending the feeder I see) and is happy he doesn’t need to forage for food in his current state.
I didn’t even realize at the time I took the photos that his tail was missing. His activity was normal. When I began looking at the photos, I saw the missing tail of one of the wrens. I think it is a pretty normal occurrence from what I’ve read.
Well at least it doesn’t impede him in any way.