Category Archives: Thrushes

One of my birding stops today was the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Milwaukee County. The bird of the day was a leucistic American Robin. The typical view of this bird was in the bush. It perched a few times but another common American Robin did not seem to care for its presence and kept it on the move. It was said it has been seen on and off recently there. Another nice bird there was a Oregon Dark-eyed Junco. That gave nice views at the feeder, but a little Pine Squirrel did not want to share the bird seed and flushed it out a few times while I was there. Nice to come across a couple of surprises today while I was out birding. Other birding stops I made this morning had nothing special to report. It was a cloudy overcast morning, chilly with the winds. Images were taken on April 1, 2019

Leucistic American Robin perched on a log…

Perched in the tree…

Going to drop down..

Back view…

Oregon, Dark-eyed Junco

What is Leucism?  Leucism is an uncommon condition in birds.  This condition is caused by a genetic mutation which prevents pigments, particularly melanin, from being deposited evenly in the bird’s feathers.  Leucistic birds have melanin elsewhere in their bodies which is why they may have dark eyes, legs, and bills.  However, their true color will be missing or greatly reduced due to the lack of proper pigmentation.

What is Albinism? Leucism is similar to albinism as in both cases the birds may be completely white.  However, albinism is defined as a complete absence of melanin in an animal.  Truly albino species will have pink eyes as the only color seen will be caused by blood vessels behind their eyes.  They will also have pink bills, legs, and feet.  Albinism is extremely rare in birds.

Notes: Leucistic birds are extremely uncommon for a number of reasons.  They are not thought to live very long because their white feathers make it difficult for them to hide from predators.  If they do stay alive, it is difficult for them to find a mate and successfully pass on their genetic mutation.  Additionally, the melanin found in regular birds adds strength to the feathers.  Leucistic birds lacking melanin have weaker feathers and thus have a more difficult time flying in severe weather.  Last, the reflective properties of white feathers may be problematic for birds who rely on solar energy for heat.

Doing some birding on a rainy day I found a Leucistic American Robin in Waukesha. This is not the same bird that was found the other day in Waukesha on March 22. This bird has a lot more white. I found the bird just south of the baseball field at Frame Park in the city of Waukesha. The exact location was a empty city lot just south of the baseball field on Whiterock Ave. It feed for a couple of minutes as I observed it from the street.  Amazing to see two Leucistic American Robins in Waukesha over a 4 day period. Another species seen today, FOY was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Frame Park during the rain. Images were taken on March 25, 2017.

What is Leucism?  Leucism is an uncommon condition in birds.  This condition is caused by a genetic mutation which prevents pigments, particularly melanin, from being deposited evenly in the bird’s feathers.  Leucistic birds have melanin elsewhere in their bodies which is why they may have dark eyes, legs, and bills.  However, their true color will be missing or greatly reduced due to the lack of proper pigmentation.

What is Albinism? Leucism is similar to albinism as in both cases the birds may be completely white.  However, albinism is defined as a complete absence of melanin in an animal.  Truly albino species will have pink eyes as the only color seen will be caused by blood vessels behind their eyes.  They will also have pink bills, legs, and feet.  Albinism is extremely rare in birds.

Notes: Leucistic birds are extremely uncommon for a number of reasons.  They are not thought to live very long because their white feathers make it difficult for them to hide from predators.  If they do stay alive, it is difficult for them to find a mate and successfully pass on their genetic mutation.  Additionally, the melanin found in regular birds adds strength to the feathers.  Leucistic birds lacking melanin have weaker feathers and thus have a more difficult time flying in severe weather.  Last, the reflective properties of white feathers may be problematic for birds who rely on solar energy for heat.

That is not a worm!

That is not a worm!

It was nice to see this spring bird, a Leucistic American Robin in Waukesha today. It was on the south side of Waukesha near soccer fields. There were about 20 American Robins present in the area and all were actively feeding. Interestingly they would hold their head still near the ground and listen for worms, etc moving. Once they heard the sound of food they would poke the ground and usually come up with something. I was out birding and around noon in Waukesha area and I got a text from Dan W that he had the bird currently within views with Janet S. Just as I arrived the bird flew out of the area and we could not relocate the bird. After about 20 minutes I relocated the bird near a building lawn. The bird was first found by Jason S yesterday at the same location. A big thank you to both of them for getting the word out and the text today. I saw the report late yesterday afternoon and thought, I doubt an American Robin would spend the night here and be seen the next day, I was wrong.  Images were taken on March 22, 2017.

What is Leucism?  Leucism is an uncommon condition in birds.  This condition is caused by a genetic mutation which prevents pigments, particularly melanin, from being deposited evenly in the bird’s feathers.  Leucistic birds have melanin elsewhere in their bodies which is why they may have dark eyes, legs, and bills.  However, their true color will be missing or greatly reduced due to the lack of proper pigmentation.

What is Albinism? Leucism is similar to albinism as in both cases the birds may be completely white.  However, albinism is defined as a complete absence of melanin in an animal.  Truly albino species will have pink eyes as the only color seen will be caused by blood vessels behind their eyes.  They will also have pink bills, legs, and feet.  Albinism is extremely rare in birds.

Notes: Leucistic birds are extremely uncommon for a number of reasons.  They are not thought to live very long because their white feathers make it difficult for them to hide from predators.  If they do stay alive, it is difficult for them to find a mate and successfully pass on their genetic mutation.  Additionally, the melanin found in regular birds adds strength to the feathers.  Leucistic birds lacking melanin have weaker feathers and thus have a more difficult time flying in severe weather.  Last, the reflective properties of white feathers may be problematic for birds who rely on solar energy for heat.

Listening for movement, a possible worm

The catch, a worm!

Listening for movement, a possible worm

Looks like maybe a miss?

Another view…

Backview…

Listening for movement, a possible worm

Listening for movement, a possible worm…