Leucism in Wild Birds

Have you ever seen a bird that looks like a certain species, but the colours are too pale or white, either in patches or all over? Found a bird who looks like an albino, but the eyes are dark?

Leucism is when a bird has reduced pigmentation, preventing melanin from being properly deposited in their feathers. Birds with leucism can appear to be paler or white in colour, either in patches or entirely. Affected feathers tend to be weaker and less robust, wearing out faster than feathers with the proper amount of melanin. This can hinder their flight ability and make them more susceptible to predators. The white or pale patches can also impact their ability to camouflage in the environment, which also makes them more vulnerable.

Leucistic birds can be more difficult to identify, as they may be lacking a distinctive marking or colour pattern. They are still identifiable if you remember to look at the size, shape, and behavior of the bird as well as what birds are nearby as leucistic birds often flock with others of the same species. Birds that are leucistic can also lose the white when they molt, though this is not guaranteed.

While leucism is often confused for albinism, they are not the same thing. Leucism may sometimes be referred to as ‘partial albinism’, but it is not. Albinism is when the affected animal has reduced or no melanin in their entire body, including the skin and eyes. While both albino and leucistic birds can have all white feathers, birds with albinism will always have a pink or red beak, feet, and eyes while leucistic birds have the same colour eyes, feet, and beak as non-leucistic birds of the same species.