Strange Feathered Coal Tits?

[Derickp]

Saw 4 of these today over an area of about 15 feet. All of them had very poor feather formation. I thought at first they were wet but not so, and further examination revealed bare skin in places and some featheres reminiscent of French Moult which canaries and other birds used to suffer with years ago. Firstly are they Coal Tit juveniles? and what is the problem with the feathering?

[A McLee]

Hmmm!
Another disease we blame on the French.

[Derickp]

Ha Ha, never thought of it that way Mr McLee. It was hoewever very prevelant for over 50 years that I was keeper for Aviary bird and Parrot like species. Feathers of the effected birds often looked like this.