Albino birds are always white all over, whereas leucistic birds are usually patchily white because not all the feathers are abnormal.
The other day I came across this male Mallard (Anas platyrynchos), ostensibly showing evidence of leucism.
But the wild Mallard is the ancestor of the familiar farmyard duck, which has interbred with other species of duck, and has also been bred selectively by humans to achieve traits deemed desirable at any given time in history. Occasionally these ducks are able to grow their flight feathers and avoid having them clipped, and join populations of wild birds, and have no trouble integrating into a flock and securing a mate. Thus, one is sometimes presented with a bizarre range of plumage, including ducks with patches of white.
So, is this bird an escape from a farm?
Or is it a leucistic bird? I wouldn't want to bet the said farm on it, but my inclination tends towards leucism. It certainly had the instinctive wariness of a wild bird.
Interestingly, a couple of years ago we saw an unusual female Mallard which we thought might be leucistic, but we were equally unsure!
In my limited experience of leucistic birds, some species seem to present leucism more frequently than others, and without question I have seen more leucistic American Robins (Turdus migratorius) than any other species, so much so in fact that I am no longer surprised when I come across one. Very interested, delighted even, but not surprised.
And finally, I decided to grow a Covid beard. This is a classic grizzled old male, white but not leucistic, but indubitably well domesticated!
I am starting to like it and I might just keep it! Never too late for a new look!
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Albino birds are beautiful ... I've also spotted one now and then!
ReplyDelete… but you with the "albino" beard ... Really not! It just can't be!
Luckily my husband doesn't like a beard!
Maybe he will see this one and change his mind!
DeleteInteresting. Don’t know if I’ve ever seen a leucistic bird!
ReplyDeleteThe beard suits you!
Pay close attention to American Robins and that may change.
DeleteI often see birds with white patches, and now I know why, thanks. Glad you are enjoying your beard, I wonder if it will get as long as Dumbledore's? Have a great day, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteI think if it gets anywhere close Miriam will have the hedge trimmer ready!
DeleteFriend David, I really liked knowing about leucism in birds, but what I liked most was seeing you, the beard suits you!
ReplyDeleteA big hug.
Hello, I have seen similar looking Mallards. Interesting post. The beard does suit you, does Miriam like the new look. Happy birding, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteShe was indifferent at first, but she is warming up to it.
DeleteThe beard has its positive parts.
ReplyDeleteLots of our "farmyard ducks" in England have white bibs like that first bird. Our thrushes also seem to be more likely to be leucistic than other species; I've seen several Blackbirds thus affected and this last winter I saw a very pale Fieldfare. I hope the beard doesn't make you susceptible to predation or impede your normal courtship behaviours!
ReplyDeleteI will have to see if I can remember courtship behaviour! It was fun as I recall.
DeleteVery nice beard David :)
ReplyDeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteLeucism or domestication and white….
They look at any case very pritty!
Happy weekend!
Regards Maria
Esto del leucismo es muy curioso, hace un par de años vi un Mirlo macho que tenía bastantes plumas blancas en su cabeza y cola pensé que podría ser un caso de leucismo aunque lo desconozco.
ReplyDeleteYa somos dos, amigo David con barba, yo, me la he dejado a lo bruto como no salgo de casa, veremos más adelante que hago con ella. Te para bien, pareces un capitán surcando los mares por el mundo en busca de nuevas especies.
Un fuerte abrazo querido amigo y compadre de tu siempre amigo Juan.
Hello, David.
ReplyDeleteOh yes of course we know this hybrid well in France. The Duclair Duck is at fault.
So in your country blackbirds are also prone to leukism?!
I hope all is well with you and your wife. Big kisses and see you soon.
I have learned something new today and I like that! Didn't know about Leucism. My son grows a beard and yours looks good!
ReplyDeleteI once saw a blackbird with partly white feathers. You look interesting with your beard. Regards.
ReplyDeleteEuropean Blackbirds are in the same family (Turdidae) as American Robin, so it is probably a characteristic of this family.
DeleteI never seen an albino bird before.'
ReplyDeleteYour beard is looking good! :)
Smiling. I keep my eye out for leucistic birds, but don't often see them here.
ReplyDeleteI like the bearded you too - rather more than I like my partners much more impressive growth.
Je les trouve beaux avec leurs taches blanches.
ReplyDeleteLa barbe est à la mode :D
Bonne soirée
The ‘new’ you looks good David 😁.
ReplyDeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteI think the white necklace suits the mallard very well; as your beard makes a nice ornament too.
Best regards, Corrie
At my previous property there was a blackbird with some white feathers - Leucism is a new word for me.
ReplyDeleteWe have a lot of mallards here throughout the year, as well as some migrants. We also have a lot of Muscovy ducks running around, and the interbreeding between the two species is pretty common. It's not at all unusual to see mallards that look quite typical, apart from bold white and black patches on the head and breast. I found this link, which is quite interesting.
ReplyDeleteThere was a group of seventeen duckling raised successfully one year, and five of them had the black and white patches. We fed them regularly, using a particular call, and for at least five years after they would leave in spring and return in the fall, so they clearly were wild. When they'd return, there was little doubt they were the same birds, because they would turn on a dime and come to us when they heard "their" call. It probably was my most amazing experience with birds of any sort.
ps -- migration has begun! I found a lone indigo bunting beneath my feeder yesterday, and when I did a little searching, I found that flocks of them have arrived on Galveston Island!
ReplyDeleteFor years there was a white barnyard goose intermingled with the flock of Canadian geese at the pond on Truxel road, where I take so many pictures.
ReplyDeleteIf you can find a barber open, I'd have that beard shaped classically to ring your lower face, she says as she sweeps hair from her eyes.
Thanks for the lesson and congrats on the beard.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen a leucistic robin in the west?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love the beard! :)
ReplyDeleteI've seen one thrush and several blackbirds with white feathers, but don't recall coming across any other species like this. Interesting to see blackbirds are the same family as your robins.
The thrush and the blackbird are in the same family, Turdidae, as the American Robin shown above, so perhaps there is a proclivity for leucism in these birds.
DeleteHi David.
ReplyDeleteThe beard looks good on you.
Nice that you tell this information about the white in Ducks and Birds.
Greetings from Patricia.
That beard suits you, David! This is a fascinating subject that you have raised. We frequently see Blackbirds with patches of white on, but occasionally with just a single white feather which I have wondered if was due to localised trauma. Occasionally I've seen birds where it's not so much a lack of colour (i.e. white - although, according to my old science teacher, that's technically full colour, as a total lack of colour is defined as 'black'), but in 'wrong' colours. I've seen a mid-brown Carrion Crow locally, and an orange Chaffinch in the garden!
ReplyDeleteHello David, stopping back to say thank you for linking up your post. Great photos of the ducks. I appreciate the visit and comment on my blog. Take care, enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteInteresting read regarding the birds, one doesn't often think of such things going wrong with them.
ReplyDeleteLike the bead, looks good. B has a beard like yours and keeps it short.
Hi David - love the non-leucid male ... salt and pepper - always good to see. Those birds are fascinating to see ... especially the one robin ... looks almost a different species. Take care and stay healthy - looking good so far! All the best - Hilary
ReplyDeleteThe well-domesticated Gasciogne looks rather dapper with the beard! I like it! (And a great photo!) But what counts is if you and Miriam like it! As for the leucism, I will now keep an extra eye out on the myriad of robins I've seen this spring and the ducks as well! I never knew about this -- thanks for good info!.
ReplyDeleteI think that Miriam now likes it. She hasn't stopped getting close to it!
DeleteVery interesting and great segue into your beard, which leads me to Mozart and birds. I wonder if you’ve discovered Bird Song Opera on YouTube yet. You might love it. I can’t provide the link here but it’s easy to find. :))
ReplyDeleteI am familiar with it, but thanks for letting me know. I am in love with both birds and Mozart so it's a perfect fit for me.
DeleteYes, good beard!
ReplyDeleteThis is really interesting! Thanks for writing it.
Hello. The mallard is not leucistic. I think that the nutrition was wrong when it was young (it has eaten bread etc.) It is a reason that it’s feathers are bad condition and white. And, I think that the robin have genetic mutation.
ReplyDeleteTake care!
What kind of generic mutation? And why would it seem to target turdid thrushes more than other taxa?
DeleteI should also have mentioned that feathers are moulted and renewed each year, so it seems unlikely that early nutritional deficiencies would cause these issues to be continued throughout life. I am open to seeing the science, however!
DeleteInteresting reading David. And I like the beard. It suits you!
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Roos
The beard looks good on you, but the real question is, does Miriam like it? Leucism is an interesting phenomenon. I would agree that robins do seem especially prone to it.
ReplyDeleteShe went from indifference to acceptance - and now she likes it! I think she didn't like the initial scruffy stage.
DeleteMuy interesante ¡ Muy guapo con tu barba ! mi marido también se la está dejando, dice que no la cortara hasta que pase esta pandemia. Un abrazo.
ReplyDeleteIt may be down to the floor by then!!
DeleteLe hemos pedido que se la recorte un poquito, si no será demasiado larga. Besos.
DeleteHi David, nice photos of this birds. I like the American robin. Nice to see you. Your beard stay good.
ReplyDeleteOh my! I have to say you look quite distinguished in the beard! Very handsome in your sunglasses and winter wear! Love seeing these photos and learning a little more about birds! The Robin sure looks neat with speckles! Take care!
ReplyDeleteFirst, the excuse.
ReplyDeletePressing family matters have kept me from the blogging world lately (indeed, the birding and photography worlds as well), so I apologize for not visiting recently.
All is well with the family, it's just been busy.
Gini and I hope you are safe and well.
Leucism has always been an interesting phenomenon in birds. We seem to go through periods where we encounter it more often than at other times. Coincidence, I'm sure.
Instances, for me, have been most frequent in blackbirds and grackles.
As for Mallards, any aberration of any sort would not be surprising!
Careful! With that "leucistic" facial development, you may soon be receiving requests to portray Santa Claus this year.
Take good care, David.
No excuses necessary, Wally. Life sometimes gets in the way! Glad to hear that all is well with you and Gini - and that it stays that way.
DeleteHola David,
ReplyDeletei learn a lot here, with excellent photos too.
And as a finishing touch, your personal photo. Me encanta, the beard looks great on you!
Hugs
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteLeucism is a remarkable and interesting phenomenom in nature. I have seen it with blackbirds and Western jackdaws and with a butterfly (lycaena phlaeas schmidtii).
Growing a beard, interesting. How does Mirjam like it? My wife was glad that I got rid of it. It made me look a lot younger she said........ So, in that case there was no room for hesitation.
Greetings, Kees
I like the term "well domesticated" instead of the old school thought of hen pecked. (That is just all kinds of wrong) It takes a special kind of loving man to enjoy life with pizzazz & be proud!
ReplyDeleteThanks for adding this post link today. Great addition to I'd Rather B Birdin this week!
A nice beard your wearing, and do love the American Blackbird.
ReplyDeleteIt is possible that a farm duck went rogue also and integrated into a wild flock,,,I saw a wild Muscovy duck he was out in a wilderness pond with other wild ducks. I think the beard will go when the thermostat reaches 90...lol till then enjoy.
ReplyDeleteWhere I live it barely reaches 90 - thank God!
DeleteThat should say "rarely" not "barely" - but I guess either word fits!
DeleteI have never notice leucism here but I am sure it is around. Interesting post. Love the last shot :-)
ReplyDeleteTake care and stay safe, Diane
Keep you eye on Turdus merula, Diane. That seems to be the thrush in your area susceptible to it. Hope you are coping well with confinement and that Nigel is behaving well!
DeleteHa ha, not-leucistic beard! I think furry faces look nice but I don’t like to get too close to them, ahem.
ReplyDeleteDo you think there are more leucistic birds around than there were, say, 30 years ago? Or is it just because they are a novelty and people like to take photos of them and post them on the internet? I think I’ve personally seen more myself than I did as a younger birder.
I suspect that more people are reporting them, and of course everyone has a camera these days.
DeleteYou look like movie star David, your white-gray-haired beard suits you.
ReplyDeleteI never knew about leucistic and thank you now I know what it is.
Hi David, nice to see and you look happy and healthy. I hope you're not going for the Santa look ;-).
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, it's interesting to see white spotted birds, but I also don't know why this leucism or ? happens. I read that inbreeding can be a reason. We have a big flock of Jackdaw around the house and a lot of them have white spots.
All the best and a big hug,
Marianne
It's great to hear from you, Marianne. I hope that you are healthy and coping with enforced confinement well. Perhaps we are approaching the point where a little relaxation of the restrictions can start. Hugs and kisses, David
DeleteI have never noticed a leucistic bird, so I will have to keep my eyes open wider in the future.
ReplyDeleteLove the whiskers, you look suitably grizzled.
Ha, ha that looks good on you David, I would keep it that way ;-))
ReplyDeleteNice explanation of the white spots in the birds.
Beautiful photos too.
Stay healthy, greetings Tinie
hello David
ReplyDeletewas lucky enough to photograph a white deer, looks like a llama in white ... ok it had nothing to do with your theory .. but very interesting .. let the beard grow ........ ;-) )
stay healthy
Regards Frank
The more colors on the bird, the more I like it,the more interesting I find it, leucism or not.
ReplyDeleteOh Gosh David, I hope you live far away from the shooting incident and no friends or family were involved!It is so sad!
ReplyDeleteIt is incredibly sad, Ella. And yes we are far away from Nova Scotia.
DeleteI had no idea about leucism in bird, I thought it was just their normal colour.
ReplyDeleteJust don't let your beard grow too long and wild, lol
Once it reaches my belly button I promise to trim it!
DeleteWe have quite a lot of 'farmyard' ducks in amongst our wild flocks here including ones like your female Mallard and lots with patches of white, they seem to get along fairly well! I've also seen leucistic Blackbirds, Starlings and Sparrows, it helps to be able recognise the same birds sometimes, in fact there are several Blackbirds with various white patches in our local woods. I'm all for the beard :)
ReplyDeleteIn our local park, among the 'ordinary' mallards I have seen one which is green all over - the green that is usually only at a male's neck - and another which is mustard colour all over. (Perhaps you will occasionally die your beard to match?)
ReplyDeleteDie my beard? Now there's a thought! Don't think I'll mention it to Miriam quite yet!!
DeleteNo tenía conocimiento del leucismo en las aves, antes de leer este escrito.
ReplyDeleteHas puestos buenos modelos de ejemplos y todos aparecen nítidamente en tus fotografías.
No se como estarías sin barba. Me parece que la barba, te queda bastante bien. Nadie como tú para decidir como te sientes más bien.
Besos
Hello David,
ReplyDeletea very nice blog explaining how this phenomenon arises in the animals. You also have some nice examples of various birds to make and I really like to see :-)
I also like the photo with your covid beard 😁
We also really need to be very careful with this scary virus.
Stay safe and healthy.
A big kiss from the Netherlands xo
Hi Both,
ReplyDeleteThe last Leucistic bird I have seen was at Rutland Water and was a Blackbird and you pointed out that it was Leucistic.
Sporting the new look I expect the next thing to see you in a boat rowing up river for the Hudson Bay Company.
You both keep safe
Our best wishes,
John and Veg
thanks for the giggle, when it came to white beard. :) I have seen two mallard males with this kind of colors, and also a white one. A not Leucistic bird. Just white. :)
ReplyDeleteHola David. Desconocía totalmente el leucismo, vamos que me leí dos veces el comentario para no olvidarlo, es muy interesante. Observaré con atención las aves. En cuanto a tu barba te veo genial. Un fuerte abrazo para ti y para Miriam. Cuidaros mucho.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea about Leucistic birds - and I think I actually saw some without being aware of this condition. Just wondering... Thank you for explaining.
ReplyDeleteAnd I quite like the Covid beard.
If your life is anything like mine, it will not be you that decides if the beard stays or goes!
ReplyDeleteI think I would have gone with a 'barn yard bird' in your ducks history!
Hope you are well - Stewart M - Melbourne
You could be right, of course, but in my experience birds of domestic origin will usually swim towards you looking for a handout, whereas this bird was clearly quite wary, and flew off to the far side of the pond. So far, I have Miriam's seal of approval on the beard and she hasn't stopped kissing me!
DeleteHi David, first thanks for your visit and comment on my blog. And many thanks for this post because I have seen birds, robins notable, and while I didn't wonder about the color changes, it's nice to "know" the why. Also nice to see your facial coloration. My husband grew a beard and after shaving it off was told that he looks "younger." Needless to say, he hasn't (yet) grown it back (and I hope he doesn't).
ReplyDeleteBTW I enjoyed your discourse in a recent comment on Jeanie's blog in which you commented on how people refer to their spouses by various names. For the record, Beatrice is an alias as is Grenville, my husband's. When we first started the blog we gave ourselves the names of 2 Boyds Bears characters. We're Dorothy & Patrick in "real" life and unreal life too.
Never heard of leucism before. Interesting to know and to look out for if you see it in American Robins a lot. As for the beard, what is Miriam's vote? Never been fond of face fungus myself.
ReplyDeleteShe is fairly neutral. At first she was indifferent but she has certainly warmed up somewhat. She would not describe it as face fungus, of that I am quite sure, any more than I would deride her hairstyle or choice of makeup.
DeleteI saw a robin at the old farm that had white patches; I worried that it was ill but now I understand what was happening. The beard suits you; all my men (all 2 of them!) have beards.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the vote on the beard. I am getting to like it myself and will probably keep it.
Delete