Why Are Northern Cardinals Losing Their Head Feathers?

While this may look like the bird is sick, a cardinal missing head feathers is typically not a cause for concern.

The Northern Cardinal

When you think of a cardinal, the image that pops into your head is probably of a striking red bird with a black mask. These gorgeous birds are the male cardinals, and it's interesting because the females look quite different.

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According to the Indiana DNR, a female cardinal has a much more muted color and is sometimes a brownish/red.

The adult male is all red except for the black mask at the base of the bill. The markings of the female are much more subdued. She has an olive-gray back, dull red-dish wings and crest, and soft pink-brown underparts. A stout, coral-red bill and d