I was watching this Golden Whistler, he looks very much like my dogs at the moment. They are molting and then getting their winter coat.
So, do birds get different feathers to cope with cold winters? Other than fluffing up to increase the insulation using air trapped under feathers, do they grow a more insulating kind of down?
I did a bit of internet searching, and found this article.
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/ccdms/wildthings/111116.html
I will admit i haven't gone through all of it yet but I got an email about a new Cornell Lab of Ornithology website called All About Feathers - they might have some more info too M-L. Its a lovely little interactive site.
Thanks Holly, this is great Hundreds of possibillities to play and learn. Would be very educational for kids. This can be hours of fun and learning.
M-L