Have you noticed that some of our favourite garden birds suddenly look scruffy, patchy or a bit moth-eaten in summer? You may spot blackbirds with bald heads, blue tits with untidy feathers or robins looking less neat than usual. Don't worry – they're probably moulting.
Moulting is a completely natural process in which birds shed old, worn feathers and grow new ones. It can make birds look rather dishevelled for a few weeks, but it's an essential part of staying healthy and preparing for the months ahead.
What Is Moulting?
Feathers don't last forever. Throughout the year, feathers become worn by flying, sunshine, rain and everyday use. Unlike our hair, feathers cannot repair themselves once damaged.
To replace them, birds gradually lose old feathers and grow brand-new ones. This process is called moulting.
Why Do Birds Moult?
To Replace Worn-Out Feathers
Fresh feathers provide better insulation, helping birds stay warm and dry. They also allow birds to fly more efficiently.
To Prepare for Winter
New feathers create a better protective layer against cold, wind and rain. A good set of feathers can make a big difference to a bird's survival during winter.
To Look Their Best
For many species, bright and healthy plumage is important for attracting mates and establishing territories during the next breeding season.
When Do Garden Birds Moult?
Most garden birds begin moulting after the busy breeding season, usually between June and September.
This timing makes sense. By then, many birds have finished raising their young and can focus energy on replacing their feathers.
Why Do Birds Look So Untidy?
Growing new feathers takes a huge amount of energy. During this time, birds may:
- Look scruffy or ragged
- Have bald patches around the head or face
- Seem quieter than usual
- Spend more time resting
- Visit feeders more frequently
Even healthy birds can look surprisingly shabby during a moult.
Is Moulting Stressful for Birds?
Yes. Producing hundreds or even thousands of new feathers requires a lot of protein and energy. At the same time, birds may be less agile and slightly more vulnerable to predators because their feathers are not in peak condition.
For this reason, moulting is considered one of the most demanding periods in a bird's year.
How Can We Help Garden Birds During Moult?
Keep Feeders Well Stocked
Provide high-quality foods such as sunflower hearts, peanuts in suitable feeders and seed blends. These foods provide valuable energy while birds are growing new feathers.
Shop Sunflower Hearts
Shop Peanuts
Shop Seed Blends
Offer Fresh Water
Birds need clean water, not only for drinking, but also for bathing. Bathing helps keep feathers clean and in good condition as they grow.
Provide Natural Shelter
Shrubs, hedges and ivy give birds somewhere safe to rest and preen away from predators and bad weather.
Avoid Disturbing Nesting Areas
Even after breeding, many birds remain tired and vulnerable. Keeping garden activity around dense vegetation to a minimum can help them recover.
Continue Feeding Throughout Summer
Many people stop feeding birds once spring has passed, but summer is actually one of the times when birds benefit greatly from supplementary food.
A Sign of a Healthy Garden Bird
If your garden birds suddenly look untidy in summer, it's usually a good sign rather than a cause for concern. Moulting is nature's annual makeover – a remarkable process that allows birds to renew their feathers and prepare for the challenges ahead.
By offering food, fresh water and safe places to rest, you can help your garden visitors through one of the most demanding periods of their year and enjoy watching them emerge in their beautiful new plumage.