Why Is My Robin Half White?
Genetic conditions can affect feather pigmentation.
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Show Notes
A bird with abnormal white feathers, like this American Robin, may have a genetic condition called leucism. Leucism prevents pigments from reaching some — or sometimes all — of a bird’s feathers. Albino birds are distinctly different and are entirely white with pink skin and eyes. Albinos have trouble making melanin, the pigment in skin, feathers, and eyes.
More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.
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