Yes, this is generally assumed to be from a cat, although I suppose other
mammalian predators are possible.



On Thu, Apr 14, 2022 at 3:40 PM <dgrainger at birdsbydave.com> wrote:


> I saw examples of that last year, was explained as "fright molt" where a

> grab from a predator would pull out tail feathers easily because they

> are anchored more loosely than other feathers, thus letting MOST of the

> bird live to grow them back...

>

> On 2022-04-12 11:41, Greg Pluth wrote:

> > Tweets -

> > Over the last few days I've been noticing a male Spotted Towhee with

> > absolutely no tail feathers. I have seen this several times with

> > towhees only over the years. I'm not sure if they were all at this

> > time in the spring. Though I've never heard other birders (or anyone

> > for that matter) discussing it, I'm nearly positive I can't be the

> > only one to have observed it. I also have not seen tailess birds

> > subsequently sprouting new stubby tail feathers. I have conjectured to

> > myself that there may be a cat somewhere with a mouthful of tail

> > feathers, and I can't imagine an April Towhee molting out all tail

> > feathers at once.

> >

> > Anyone out there knowledgeable on the subject? I'd be interested to

> > know!

> >

> > Greg Pluth

> > University Place

> > _______________________________________________

> > Tweeters mailing list

> > Tweeters at u.washington.edu

> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters

> _______________________________________________

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> Tweeters at u.washington.edu

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>



--
​Steve Hampton​
Port Townsend, WA (qatáy)