A few weeks ago we noticed a bird flying around and coming to the bird feeders. It appeared to be all white with a red cap. We don't have all white birds so we started to investigate. We determined the bird to be a leucistic red bellied woodpecker This is a definition given on the web for leucistic:
 |
| This is a normal red bellied woodpecker. |
an abnormal
condition of reduced pigmentation affecting various animals (such as
birds, mammals, and reptiles) that is marked by overall pale color or
patches of reduced coloring and is caused by a genetic mutation which
inhibits melanin and other pigments from being deposited in feathers,
hair, or skin.  |
| Notice the red cap. |
 |
| Notice the red belly. |
This is somewhat different from an albino bird which has no color and pink eyes.only about 1 bird in 30,000 has leucistic or albinistic plumage. Based on these results, leucism and albinism are very rare occurrences among birds.
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