Thread: To Zheljko, Lev and other bird watchers

great pix!

Is that a random mutation of a specific gene? This could almost be called an albino wannabee.

Originally Posted by Roy/SATX

Is that a random mutation of a specific gene? This could almost be called an albino wannabee.

Yes, from what I've read, luekism (leucism) is a result of defective melanocyte differentation. Leukistic animals don't produce as many melanocytes.

I'll bet Lev will have a more complete explanation.

So it seems like there is a thin line between an albino and skin (feather?) cancer.

I am not sure this is a leucistic bird. I think leucistic birds have diluted main color (so a cardinal would look light pinkish all over), not in colored and white splashes, but the only bird in my field guide where this is discussed is the Ring-necked Pheasant, and they did not show any albinos.
I saw an almost complete albino of Eurasian Blackbird, which only had two tail feathers black. It sang normally and defended the territory against the NT blackbirds, which seemed puzzled at why the strange white bird is so aggressive.

Originally Posted by Zheljko

I am not sure this is a leucistic bird. I think leucistic birds have diluted main color

If it is not leukistic, what would account for the coloring? Some other type of mutation, maybe?

Look at the picture of the side of the bird - the coloring is muted compared to most cardinals.