How many times per year does the Willow Warbler reportedly moult its feathers?
Answer
Twice a year
The Willow Warbler exhibits an unusual molting schedule that sets it apart from the majority of bird species, which typically undergo only one full annual molt. This small passerine is known to moult its feathers twice each year. One molt occurs on its northern breeding grounds during the summer period. The second, equally important molt takes place at its wintering location in Africa before the arduous northward return journey. Scientists hypothesize that maintaining fresh, efficient flight feathers twice annually is a critical adaptation providing an advantage in endurance or efficiency necessary for surviving the extreme migratory efforts required by the species.
Related Questions
What color are the legs that distinguish a Willow Warbler from a Chiffchaff?What is the description of the Willow Warbler contact call contrasted with the Chiffchaff's?What distance can eastern Siberian P. t. yakutensis cover annually?How many times per year does the Willow Warbler reportedly moult its feathers?What type of vegetation structure is critical for nesting security for Willow Warblers?What is the IUCN classification for the globally widespread Willow Warbler population?What common item weighs approximately the same as three Willow Warbler eggs?Where does the subspecies P. t. trochilus primarily winter?Which region within the British Isles showed stable or increasing Willow Warbler populations?What is the approximate male bias percentage found in ringed adult Willow Warblers in southeast England?