[TN-Bird] Re: albino European Starling
- From: OLCOOT1@xxxxxxx
- To: jwcoffey@xxxxxxxxxx, tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Mon, 9 Jun 2003 19:33:20 EDT
Wallace and TN-Birders,
Cream colored Starlings are not to uncommon in the huge flocks over here in
west TN. I usually see at least one or more each season at Ensley when flocks
of many thousands group up. These over here are leucistic, a condition closely
allied to albinism which is a dilution of color over the body rather than
complete or partial albinism which produce pure white feathers over the body or
in
specific areas which might be symmetrical or not. As leucistic, the birds
quite often show subtle variances in the off white or sandy color that belie
the
locations and patterns seen in colorful, normal adult birds. This is
especially noted in ducks.
I've never seen a pure albino Starling in the field but I do have photos of a
young full albino Grackle that had pink eyes and stark white plumage which I
will share with anyone interested. Since I have seen lots of leucistic birds
in the wild of various species but only one true albino, I would assume for
various reasons other than just color, the true albinos have many other
physical
difficulties other than color. Most true albino animals are usually seen only
in captivity and probably then probably only through the protection they get
from human care.
Good Birding!!!
Jeff R. Wilson
OL' COOT / TLBA
Bartlett Tenn.
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