Pale plumage baffles birders
Genetic mutation prevents pigment from being properly deposited on a bird's feathers
Usually the colours of a bird’s plumage are used to identify it, but occasionally a bird is spotted that confuses even the most experienced birder.
One such bird was recently seen at Ingula. It turned out to be a very common familiar chat. But not so familiar was its colouration. This little chat has a condition called ‘leucism’.
This is caused by a genetic mutation that prevents pigment, particularly melanin (dark pigment) from being properly deposited on a bird’s feathers.
Albinism is another genetic condition that can turn a bird’s plumage pale, but it differs from leucism in that leucism affects only the bird’s feathers, usually dark feathers.
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