Moulting and our songbirds

Have you noticed your garden birds looking a bit scruffy recently? Well, they’re probably moulting. This is a natural process where birds shed old feathers and grow new ones. Think of it as their way of getting a fresh new look!

Why do birds moult?

Feathers are essential for birds, providing insulation, waterproofing, and the ability to fly. However, feathers are made of keratin, a protein that cannot repair itself and our songbird’s feathers are pretty well-used! So, birds need to replace their feathers periodically to maintain their functionality to stay in tip-top shape.

When do birds moult?

In the UK, most garden birds moult once a year, usually after the breeding season in late summer and early autumn. This timing ensures that birds have fresh feathers before the chilly winter months, which is crucial for insulation and survival. August is prime moulting time for many of our feathered friends.

The moulting process

Moulting can take several weeks to complete. During this time, birds may appear scruffy and less active. It can sometimes seem like there are fewer birds around and we often get asked questions like “Where have all my blackbirds gone?” What’s happening is that they often keep a lower profile during this time to avoid predators, as losing flight feathers can make them more vulnerable.

Supporting moulting birds

You can help to limit dangers and reduce stress for moulting birds during their moulting period by making your garden a safe and quiet environment. Also, providing clean, fresh water daily helps birds preen their new feathers into order.  Birds will appreciate some shallow dishes on the ground in shaded, safe areas.

Your garden birds will be grateful for your extra care over the coming days and weeks, and hopefully will reward you with lots of new arrivals to your garden next spring!  

You can find more tips on gardening for birds and other wildlife here:

https://www.songbird-survival.org.uk/campaigns/gardens-for-birds-how-to-guides

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