Leucistic American Robin in Toronto

Leucistic American Robin at Humber Bay West on 18 January 2017

 

Video of leucistic American Robin

It was a striking bird. Leucism is an abnormal plumage mutation where a random number or all feathers are white, lacking pigmentation. It is an inherited disorder where the melanin pigments aren't deposited in the feather cells.The melanin pigment, phaeomelanin, is responsible for red-brown colour in this American Robin. Link to: Hein van Grouw, 2006. Not every white bird is an albino: sense and nonsence about colour aberrations in birds.