This is bird note.

Sometimes a real puzzler of a bird turns up.

It might look like a regular robin, but with frosty white splotches on its head or back. Or within a flock of black birds, a single bird jumps out

because it has white instead of black wings. What's going on?

The abnormal feathers on these birds are the result of a genetic condition called leukism,

which prevents pigments from reaching some, or or sometimes all of a bird's feathers.

The degree of lukeism varies with a bird's genetic makeup,

but the skin and eyes remain their normal pigment and color.

Albino birds are distinctly different.

Albinos are entirely white with pink eyes and skin.

Albinism has a different origin too. Problems with an enzyme called

tyrosinase. Problems with terracinase lead to problems making melanin, the pigment that gives skin, feathers, and eyes their color.

You're much more likely to see a leukistic bird than an albinistic one.

Keep an eye out for birds that have white patches. bird than an albinistic one.

Keep an eye out for birds that have white patches or washed out plumage.

It could be a bird of any species.

Find photos of a few on our website bird note.org. I'm Michael Stein.

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