insomniacs, or, in the case of this European Starling, Elvis impersonators. Spy a bald bird in late and Blue Jays sometimes drop their head plumes all at once; take the chance to admire usually hidden features like their ear cavities. Many songbirds, including the American Goldfinch , molt twice a year. After breeding season the finches swap brilliant yellow feathers for duller brown ones, restoring their vibrancy come spring. Have some empathy for all of these ragamuffins: Molting demands lots of energy, and birds are more vulnerable during the process. Always give molting birds plenty of space, and help them out by keeping your feeders full!
