Odd spot on fledgling

[shaunh]

Any idea why this bird has this black mark, hasn't got any bigger or smaller http://s1042.photobucket.com/albums/b42 ... 5576a3.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://s1042.photobucket.com/albums/b42 ... 4b1378.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[iaos]

Probably just the first stages of colouring up!

[tims]

Might've been pecked in the nest...adult feathers grow through if the fledgling loses it's feathers

[finchbreeder]

Looks like a normal young gouldian in the process of colouring up to me.
LML

[shaunh]

thought it may have been the adult feathers but has been like this since it fledged in March. Getting pecked in the nest might be the cause. Cheers

[Tiaris]

Looks perfectly normal to me too. Some of my black-headed normal young fledge from the nest with that black sooty look over the entire head. I suspect but haven't yet worked out for sure whether it translates to any noticeable difference in head colour characteristics at adulthood.