Cardinal, Northern, male (Cardinalis cardinalis) - 8 Jun 07 - deck feeder, Gant Quarters, east Cobb Co. GA. Except for a single crest feather, it has an uncommon lack of feathers on the head and neck giving it a vulturine look. According to the research I did, the most likely cause is feather mites or an unusual molting pattern. Mites because the only area affected is where it cannot reach to preen.
