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| Leucistic Grackle |
What the heck is leucism? Leucism is the term used for identifying defects in pigmentation in the skin, hair, or feathers. It is not
to be confused with albinism.
Albinos typically have red eyes while leucistic animals have normal
eyes.
If you’ve ever spied an animal that appears normal in all
respects, but has white patches where white shouldn’t be and you just can’t seem to
identify it, well, you have seen a leucistic animal.
While it is an exciting thing to see a leucistic bird, one
must realize that he will probably face dangers that other birds will not. The fact that he has lost his natural
protective camouflage makes him vulnerable to predators.
In all my years of feeding and watching birds I have only
seen two leucistic ones. On one occasion I was
lucky to have a camera available to take photos.
In my natural ABC book L is for leucism
5 comments:
amazing fact here Crystal, not to mention a new word for me!
I only learnt that word since I've been blogging - from another bird-watching blogger. For several years in succession, the same blackbird with a couple of white wing feathers, came back to my garden to feast off the fallen apples. Of course it might not have been the same bird but it seems like too much of a coincidence that another bird would have exactly the same markings. Haven't seen him for a year or two though, which is sad, but I think he actually had quite a good 'innings'! (I hadn't thought of the disadvantage of his coloring that you point out, Crystal.)
Another interesting and informative post :)
Looks like "she" took bleaching her hair too far...couldn't resist that one!
This is so interesting! Learned something new today ;o) Thanks Crystal ;o)
Love this one! I've learned many new things with your trip through the alphabet.
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