Maltese Moult

defn: an ironic term describing the missing feathers from birds of prey as they migrate over Malta.

This particular bird is a marsh harrier, you can make out that some of the feathers near the 'hole' are pushed up, from the force of the gunshot. This bird will not be able to make the crossing to Africa, it's chances of staying in Malta and surviving over winter are slim to none.

Read about Gozo and our punctured? tyre