[metmom]

That looks natural, not like something spilled on it.

[21twelve]

It seems like only the tops of the wings and the head (and some on the tail) have the color. Nothing on the underside of the wings or the belly. I'll go with a dye (like the de-icer).

Either that or it's father was a ring-necked pheasant.

Waiting for the Garry Larson cartoon. “Heck of a birthmark you got there Hal.”

Regardless - it is normally a beautiful bird, and even more interesting now. I hope that it survives without its usual camouflage.