Why Birds Look Scruffy in Autumn
It’s moulting season in NZ.
Find out what it means and how we can help the birds we kohabit with.
Lately, I’ve noticed a lot of scruffy-looking birds in the garden at Kohab HQ, especially Blackbirds. But it's nothing to worry about, it’s simply moulting season in New Zealand.
At this time of year, birds shed and replace their feathers to keep their plumage in top condition and winter-ready. It’s an essential process, but it also leaves them looking a bit worse for wear and feeling vulnerable. That’s why they need extra support from us.
If you’re noticing moulting birds in your garden, here’s what’s happening and how you can help.
Henry is a regular visitor to Kohab HQ, and he looks very scruffy as he moults.
What Is Moulting, and Why Do Birds Need It?
Moulting is how birds replace old, worn-out feathers with fresh new ones. This helps them:
Stay warm in colder months.
Maintain waterproofing for better insulation.
Improve flight ability for better escape from predators.
For most birds, this happens at the end of summer and into early autumn. Some birds replace all their feathers at once, while others shed them gradually over weeks.
At Kohab HQ, I’ve been watching Blackbirds with patchy plumage and sparrows that look half-fluffed. But I know that in a few weeks, they’ll be looking better than ever!
The Challenges of Moulting Season
Moulting isn’t easy on birds. It’s an energy-intensive process that leaves them:
More tired than usual – Regrowing feathers takes a LOT of energy.
Slower and more vulnerable – Patchy feathers mean they can’t fly as well.
Hungrier than usual – They need extra nutrients, protein and fats for feather growth.
That’s why I always make sure my feeders are stocked with high-energy food during this time.
How to Support Moulting Birds in Your Garden
The best way to help moulting birds is to offer them the right food and a safe place to rest. Here’s what I do at Kohab HQ:
Feed Them High-Energy, Nutrient-Rich Food
During moulting, birds need more protein, fats, and essential nutrients to grow healthy feathers. Kohab Wild Bird Seed is packed with fresh nutritious ingredients packed with vitamins and minerals.
Kohab Wild Bird Seed includes:
Fresh nutritious NZ seed
High-oil seeds and carbohydrates
A mix of different seeds to attract a variety of birds
2. Offer Nectar for Extra Energy
Nectar-feeding birds like Tūī, Silvereye and Bellbirds rely on sugar-rich food during moulting.
Kohab Bird Nectar includes:
Beetroot for antioxidants to boost immunity
Balanced sugar content that mimics natural flower nectar
Easy digestion, perfect for tired birds needing quick energy
3. Provide Fresh Water for Bathing & Drinking
Moulting birds need to keep their new feathers clean. Make sure you put out a bird bath and regularly clean it and add fresh water.
5 tips on setting up a birdbath.
Adding a freshwater source to your garden is one of the most important things you can do for the NZ birds you kohabit with.
4. Create Safe Shelter in Your Garden
Because moulting birds can’t fly as well, they need safe places to rest.
Ways to help:
Provide wooden birdhouses for a safe place to roost
Don’t trim your hedges and shrubs so there are lots of hiding places
Keep pets inside, especially cats, overnight
Final Thoughts: Be Patient with Scruffy Birds!
If your backyard visitors are looking patchy and tired, don’t worry—it’s just part of the cycle. In a few weeks, they’ll have brand-new, glossy feathers and be back to their usual energetic selves.
In the meantime, let’s give them a helping hand with nutritious food, fresh water, and safe spaces. That way, they’ll come out of moulting season stronger than ever!
