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Molting is a process that many different creatures undergo. Insects and crustaceans shed their exoskeleton, snakes and other reptiles shed their skin, and, of course, birds change their beautiful plumage. However, with most birds, molting is often a fairly quiet event. They lose their feathers a few at a time. Shed their feathers flying in pairs, symmetrically, one on each side, not to affect the flight. The entire process could last from days to months (depending on species and time of year) and the casual observer would not notice anything.
Of course, there are a few exceptions. Many ducks, geese and other waterfowl to lose most or all of their flight feathers at once, letting them fly for a short time until new feathers grow in size due to water birds and how the loss of even a few feathers Flight dramatically inhibit its ability to stay in the air. It makes more sense for them to make the process performed in a single stroke. Molt all their feathers at once, making fly by themselves a brief period. If you shed a few feathers at the time that it is "virtually" fly, and much longer duration.
Why Birds Molt?
The move is basically a tire change. Birds are capable of being freed to use, and replace damaged feathers with a new and beautiful plumage. Since feathers are responsible for the capacity rather than a bird to fly, the shift is even more critical than one might think.
Feathers also provide weather protection, making it virtually impervious bird. The feathers on a bird's body overlap and individual teeth in each pen actually lock. The net effect is an aerodynamic rain-sheet – wind and water slide to the right of least resistance.
Some species, including the change in plumage color reproduction in order to attract a mate. The male American Goldfinch, a bird commonly seen in bird feeders in most U.S., silent before the breeding season, the change in their distinctive bright yellow suit with a black cap. In late summer to early autumn after young people have every right, moves into their basic plumage – a dark olive green, very similar to the color of his companion.
When Birds Molt?
Most birds molt, but once a year. Several, however, as the Ibis bright, the Common Redpoll, Goldfinch and the aforementioned country have two molts each year. Some birds experience more wear and tear on their feathers – in the case of long migrations or forage through trees and shrubs – and demand that extra moves to keep their feathers in shape.
As to the actual timing of the move, there is much variation from one species to another and even within species. The dynamics and the exact mechanics of the process not yet fully known, what is known is that energy moves from a bird's taxes. Therefore, always takes place during relatively quiet time of year – for example, after a migration or after raising a nest full of baby birds.
What is the meaning the move to a birder?
The answer to this question can be easily deduced from the preceding paragraphs. Birds that move into breeding plumage are often stunningly beautiful. At the end of winter, a bird watcher can eagerly anticipate the coming change of clothes for your favorite bird.
Muda is also used in the counter capacity. A Purple Martin landlord may notice some stray flight feathers on the ground under the house birds in the days before his gregarious tenant left their winter migration.
In any case, the move is another fascinating aspect of the nature of our lovely enigmatic avian friends. Enjoying them cherish them and respect them.
About the Author:
Michael Rasco is the owner of UtopiaBirdHouses.com, a website committed to providing high quality birding products and wild bird information.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – What is Molting?
Purple Martin House
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Heath Outdoor Products 15 Foot Telescoping Galvanized Steel Purple Martin House Pole $44.71 For use with the 12 room aluminum martin house. (sold separately) Easy key locks to raise and lower the martin house. Telescopes to 15 feet. Includes ground socket…. |
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12-Room Purple Martin House Purple Martin Houses are a long-term investment in flying insect removal – a single Purple Martin consumes thousands of bugs each summer. Our no-rust aluminum Purple Martin Houses feature an attractive and functional hexagonal design. Apartment floors snap out for easy cleaning” doorstops and guardrails included. Lightweight, durable and easy-care. Telescoping galvanized steel Universal Pole fits … |
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Purple Martin House Attract purple martins to your yard and reap the benefits of these bug eating birds! Purple Martins are known to eat thousands of mosquitoes and aphids a day. So, nothing is better than a Purple Martin House to control insects in your yard! 12 rooms for lots of bird families (the more the better)! Plastic. 18 x 19 x 20. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery…. |
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Castle Martin Birdhouse Woodworking Plan $10.99 According to the Purple Martin Conservation Society, the Purple Martin is the only North American bird species entirely dependent upon human-supplied nesting cavities for reproduction. This 9-room martin house has interlocking plywood panels which form the inside structure and extend as the outside walls. It can be completed in a day and painted white or a pastel shade with any color trim. Mountin… |
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Barn Birdhouse Woodworking Plan $10.99 Since purple martins are members of the barn-dwelling family of swallows, what could be more appropriate lodging than a little red barn birdhouse? Only one sheet of 1/4-inch plywood is required to build the 12-room house. Railings keep fledglings from falling and the roof detaches for cleaning. Mounting height should be from 10 to 20 feet and the house should be situated in the center of an open s… |
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Purple Martin Decoy $6.59 Purple martin decoy Life size purple martin decoy used to attract purple martins to houses and gourds Attaches to protective house rails and gourd hanger rails Brand #: Heath PMD-1 UPC: 085199335003 Keywords: purple martin attractant decoy attractor |
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Purple Martin Gourd Pole $68.98 Gourd pole 15′ telescoping, galvanized steel pole will hold up to 8 model No. 30008R purple martin gourds Brand #: Heath MP-15G UPC: 085199063500 Keywords: martin house pole gourd for dwelling telescoping bird purple |
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Plastic Purple Martin House $69.13 Purple martin house 2 story, 12 room purple martin house features easy snap assembly, easy access for cleaning, ventilated to provide a cool nesting area, drain holes allow moisture to escape, and guard rails to protect young martins Constructed of UV fade-resistant plastic Compatible with the model No. MP15 martin house pole system (sold separately) Assembled size: 21? W. x 18? H. x 20.5? D Color: Green floors and roof with white walls Brand #: Heath PH-12 UPC: 085199033060 Keywords: martin house 2 story bird purple plastic |
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Purple Martin Add-a-Unit $43.38 Martin house add-a-room This unit can be added to your existing martin house to grow with the colony that inhabits your current martin house Does not include roof pieces, but does include door stops and protective rails Constructed of tough, lightweight aluminum Hexagon shape is compatible with the model No. AH12D all aluminum martin house in your RSC Some assembly required Assembled dimensions: 26.5? W. x 20? H. x 26.5? D Color: Green roof and floor with white walls Brand #: Heath A-6D UPC: 085199031011 Keywords: martin house add a unit purple bird |
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Purple Martin House $91.77 Aluminum martin house Aluminum 12 room Martin house with snap out floors for easy cleaning Door stops and aluminum rails included Designed to be mounted on model No. MP-15 telescoping mounting pole Color: Light green roof with white sides Brand #: Heath AH12D UPC: 085199033022 Keywords: house martin |
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Purple Martin Gourd $66.89 Purple martin gourds 2-piece gourd design makes cleaning easier and, because of its neutral color (almond), and the plastic construction, it reduces heat build-up in the summer months and also has a longer life than natural gourds Features a molded rain drip guard that sheds water around the entrance hole without detracting from the appearance of a natural gourd; drainage slots in the bottom help prevent water build-up 2 halves snap together and are secured by a single screw Starling deterrent makes the opening only big enough for martins to enter and exit 8 gourds per pack Brand #: Heath 30008R UPC: 085199300087 Keywords: purple martin house gourd dwelling bird |
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SCRAPBOOK BIRDHOUSE $23.96 Wonderful wood-look birdhouse gets artistic appeal from an assortment of quaint “scrapbook”adornments! Clever tags and homespun letters spell out the word “bird”making it clear for whom this heavenly haven is intended! Powderstone/p |
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DINER BIRDHOUSE $27.56 Endearing “Diner”birdhouse comes complete with log roof colorful signs and tiny tables. Wood. 9 3/8″x 7 7/8″x 9 1/2″high. Exclusive |
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FLOWER BIRDHOUSE $22.98 This bold cheery bird birdhouse brings to mind the first flower of spring! Grass-green “stem”is the perfect roomy residence for your favorite feathered friends. Tin. 7″x 5 3/4″x 15 1/4″high. |
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VICTORIAN BIRDHOUSE $27.56 Victorian-style birdhouse features four roomy perches. Distressed white-finished wood with gingerbread trim has an heirloom look. 8 1/2″x 6 1/2″x 12 1/2″high. |
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Dick Martin Sports MASPG812P 8.5 Inch Playground Ball – Purple $21.24 Fun purple playground ball can be used on all surfaces. Bounce it in the gym throw it around the beach or take it outside for street play. It has two-ply nylon-wound construction and is water-resistant. It is durable and can withstand the normal heavy outdoor use. Purple. 2 ply rubber. 8. 5 inch diameter. |
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SWINGING FROG BIRDHOUSE $27.97 This oh-so-charming birdhouse is two darling decorations in one! From beneath the base of a flower-bedecked bird cottage a dreamy-eyed frog gently swings and sways patiently awaiting the arrival of his feathered pals. This birdhouse is cleverly fashione |
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WAGON WHEEL RESTAURANT BIRDHOUSE $25.32 Whimsical “Wagon Wheel Restaurant”birdhouse beckons birds to stop in for a bite and rest their weary wings for the night. Wood. 9″x 7″x 9 7/8″high. Exclusive |
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NOAH S ARK BIRDHOUSE $27.56 Two by two the animals go in this one-of-a-kind birdhouse overflowing with fanciful fun! Wood. 12 1/2″x 6 1/2″x 12 1/2″high. Exclusive |
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MOOSE LODGE BIRDHOUSE $25.56 Moose Lodge birdhouse is a great locale for birds to meet and mingle! Wood “chimneys”and porch rails provide playful perches. Wood. 9 1/2″x 4 3/4″x 8″high. |
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BIRDHOUSE TREE ORNAMENT $20.79 Everyone s welcome for the holidays including your fine feathered friends! A clever Christmas tree ornament doing double duty as a miniature birdhouse. Ceramic. 7″x 7″x 8″high. |
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NATURE-THEME BIRDHOUSE $29.8 Rustic and realistic this one-of-a-kind birdhouse looks just like a real piece of tree bark! A gracious adornment that blends right into your yards natural beauty giving weary birds a warm safe shelter; generous toadstool-shaped cup holds plenty of se |
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RIVERBOAT QUEEN BIRDHOUSE $27.56 This cute little tug is sure to chug its way into your heart! Nostalgically fashioned after old-time paddleboats this winsome birdhouse brings the carefree air of the Old Mississippi River to your backyard. Wood . 9 5/8″x 7 1/2″x 10″hig |
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COWBOY ROOSTER BIRDHOUSE $26.69 This hilarious birdhouse is literally a “bird house”! All dressed up in his Western finery a plump brown “bucka-rooster”offers ample shelter to his fellow feathered friends. Free-swinging cowboy boot feet dance an amusing two-step in |
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GINGERBREAD-STYLE BIRDHOUSE $27.56 This multi-level birdhouse “condo”offers lovable lodgings for several avian households. Thatched roofs and colorful trim make this a happy holiday retreat! Wood. 10 1/2″x 5 1/2″x 12 1/2″high. Exclusive |
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TREEHOUSE BIRDHOUSE $24.35 Welcome birds to your “neck of the woods”with this fantastic wooden way-station trimmed with twisty twigs pinecones and a darling rough-hewn ladder. Wood. 7 1/2″x 7 3/4″x 12″high. Exclusive |
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LIGHTHOUSE BIRDHOUSE $24.35 Beckon birds to shelter with this lovely little lighthouse! Wood with plexiglass window and simulated (non-working) candle. 7 1/4″x 5 1/8″x 11 1/4″high. |
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CANTEEN BIRDHOUSE $30.38 Don t try to drink from this old-time canteen; it s really a wonderfully witty bird hut! Clever styling even includes a fabric “Shoulder strap”for hanging. Resin with fabric trim. 7″diameter x 4″thick. |
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WINERY BIRDHOUSE $27.56 The “Finch Valley Winery”is a favorite feasting place for flying gourmets! Cleverly detailed wood doors shutters and mossy roof. Wood. 10 5/8″x 7 7/8″x 10 1/8″high. |
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Heath 12 Room Aluminum Martin House Deluxe $101.39 The Heath 12 room Purple Martin house has a hexagonal design that is both functional and artistically attractive. Made of aluminum a 12 room house only weighs about 8 pounds. The apartment floors snap out for easy cleaning. As the colony grows so can the house; just add a unit! |
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Heath 18 Room Aluminum Martin House Deluxe $138.24 The Heath 18 room Purple Martin house has a hexagonal design that is both functional and artistically attractive. Made of alumninum a 18 room house only weighs about 11 pounds. The apartment floors snap out for easy cleaning. |
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Heath Redwood 12 Room Starling Resistent Martin House $216.02 This 12 room starling resistant purple martin house is made of beautiful and long-lasting cedar. This is our highest quality and best selling wood martin house. Specially designed entrance holes discourage starlings from invading the nesting area. Mounting Pole sold separately. |
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YACHT CLUB BIRDHOUSE $25.32 Feathered friends can weather the storm in this wooden “yacht club”complete with straw roof wooden dock and quaint nautical knicknacks. Wood. 9 3/8″x 8″x 10″high. Exclusive |
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WEDDING CHAPEL BIRDHOUSE $26.2 What better “love nest”for a lucky pair of lovebirds? With its sweetly sentimental styling and romantic red-and-white theme this charming chapel will delight the romantic in each of us. Wood with burlap hanging rope. 8 1/2″x 8″x 10 |
