Birdlegs,

I have seen this on a couple of my females, not so much a line, but mottled. I think it is only on the females that nested this year and I suspect is it combination of feathers that got worn out on the nest and seasonal molt.
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Wait a sec! I found this photo that does look more like a line.
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Anyhow, I guess the answer is that is it not that unusual.

Dave

They both look sort of like a molt But you guys should be on the look out for that rare bird since they appeared in both your states and Wisconsin and Colorado too. Sarah

I have one coming to my feeder with what looks like black spots on her chest too. I was wondering about it. Would they molt this time of year?

Deb in PA

I guess they are molting, but it's funny I never noticed one looking like this before. Yeppers, I'm looking for the white ear.