Mark F Posted April 21, 2019 Share Posted April 21, 2019 Seen yesterday on the coast near Pescadero Beach just south of San Francisco. I suppose it's a Song Sparrow, but I'm a little confused by the tail which is notched. Cornell says that the tail should be rounded. Thanks for your help. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melierax Posted April 21, 2019 Share Posted April 21, 2019 (edited) Looks like he's molting. Birds molt the same feathers on either side of their tail, at the same time, so when they get to the inner feathers it can make the tail look notched. (Agreed with SOSP) Edited April 21, 2019 by Melierax 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark F Posted April 21, 2019 Author Share Posted April 21, 2019 Wow! That's yet another example of the education I get on this forum. Thank you so much! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Spencer Posted April 21, 2019 Share Posted April 21, 2019 1 hour ago, Melierax said: Looks like he's molting. Birds molt the same feathers on either side of their tail, at the same time, so when they get to the inner feathers it can make the tail look notched. (Agreed with SOSP) I think they molt from the center out, which would explain why the remaining tail feathers are rather ragged at the ends. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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