Greater Road Runner: fledgling or molting?

[Julie Brown]

I am curious about the apparent lack of feathers on the back of this bird. Any info you all can provide me would be appreciated. Thanks!
The image was made at the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve in Henderson, Nevada on 10-12-12.

[John Chardine]

Hi Julie- This bird does not look well. A bad infestation of chewing lice can cause feather damage like this. You can see that the outer, contour feathers on the back are missing and the grey down below shows. When this happens, the bird usually gets sick for some reason, then stops looking after its plumage and the feather lice take hold secondarily.

[Julie Brown]

Thank you, John. Someone commented on my photoblog about the disheveled appearance of this bird and speculated that it might be ill. Since this is my first Roadrunner, I had no idea what the reason might be for the lack of feathers on this bird.

[Declan Troy]

I suspect the bird is just catching some rays. Roadrunners like to sun themselves and judging from the upright posture I wager it is just enjoying a bit of radiation.