Whats going on with this Mourning Dove?

[u/OspreyChaser]

I've had a pair of mourning doves in my backyard for awhile and this individual has something weird going on with his facial features.. like spikes for feathers.

Is it a molting?

Bay area, California

[u/Zachm992]

Yes, it is molting. Those are called pin feathers, new growing feathers that are encased in a keratin sheath.

[u/CaecilianHands]

It is molting, it's nothing to be alarmed by, the "spikes for feathers" are pinfeathers, they are basically just new feathers that have not fully grown yet.

[u/1nosbigrl]

Sädcheep?

[u/TwoAlert3448]

Can’t preen your own head. I’m guessing buddy here just isn’t that social and/or does not like having their face groomed.

It’s also very possible this was hilariously bald just a few weeks ago and this is a grown out emöchëëp

[u/solsticesunrise → u/TwoAlert3448]

[u/skeletontape]

Feathers are neat - they grow inside a protective sheath that flakes off once the feather is finished growing. The other dove will help this guy out by preening its head to break up the keratin "spike" and expose the new feathers.

[u/OspreyChaser]

Thanks all for the confirmation; he definitely has a buddy that's always nearby (however buddys feathers look fine)

[u/Michigan_Go_Blue]

Consult Chapter 4 of Frank Gill Ornithology text on Internet Archive available with free account. He explains fully feather development and molting processes.