Cardinal Question...

[DReb-MO]

What would cause the funny discoloration on the crest of the bird? I used the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens, shot at 1/500 f/4.5. Thanks.

[Onwuma]

There is a branch in the way. The branch is out of focus, causing it to be blurry, but enough to discolor the bird.

[Richard51]

Looks like some kind of reflection on the camera lens to me. Were you shooting through a window perhaps and caught a reflection? I noticed it isn't just on the crown, it runs from above the bird to the bottom of the bird's breast.
Richard

[TammieO]

I'm with Onwuma. There's an out of focus branch in front.