What does it indicate if a bird has proper bloom?

Having proper bloom indicates that a bird is healthy and well-fed. In the context of falconry and bird care, "bloom" refers to the overall condition of a bird's feathers and body. When a bird is well-nourished, it will generally have a sleek, shiny appearance with good feather structure, indicating that it is receiving adequate nutrition and care. Proper bloom reflects not only the bird's physical health but also its emotional well-being, as stress or illness can often affect its appearance negatively.

While being ready for mating, recently bathed, or in the process of molting can influence a bird's appearance in different ways, these conditions do not specifically relate to the overall health and nourishment of the bird in the same manner as proper bloom does. For example, a bird that is clean from a bath may not necessarily have a healthy bloom, and birds that are molting will often have a more ragged appearance due to the shedding and regrowth of feathers. Thus, observing proper bloom is a clear indicator of a bird's good health and vitality.