FINCHforum

My black head blue back finished her molt and her head is mottled. Why is this? Will it be black on her next molt or is this permanent?

This happens with a lot of black headed birds, not sure why, she just didn't molt completely, it'll fill in next time she goes through a full molt.
Looks like she didn't molt the covert feathers of her wings, either.

Thanks Tiffany

My orange headed female looks like this too. I was hoping that its not permanent either, but I have to wait until she goes through her next moult. She's got the same drab-feathering on her face breaking up the lovely orange colour.