Crested Chaffinch?

[Fangman]

Greater Crested of should it be greater Chested Chaffinch
Too much grief from the youngsters or a scruffy moult?

This is the well groomed look!​

 

[BirderOzzie]

It is because they use so much energy raising their chicks that they have less time to maintain themselves, so end up looking very scruffy.

Oscar

 

[Thomas Covenant]

Well spotted sir !
All I can say is if its a new look I hope to god it doesn't catch on !
John

 

[Just Dave]

HE HE made me chuckle nice one

 

[Fangman]

It is because they use so much energy raising their chicks that they have less time to maintain themselves, so end up looking very scruffy.

Oscar

I think that after a couple of broods they are exhausted and I have never seen one as bloated as this one, so perhaps it is more than that. With the warm dry spring this year nesting started very early and some of the visitors to the table possibly have tried to raise one brood too many and less resistant to disease or parasites.