Leucism:
- Leucism is a condition with a partial loss of pigment in the skin, fur, or feathers.
- The eyes remain unaffected, retaining normal pigmentation (typically black or pigmented).
- This condition is caused by a genetic anomaly, usually recessive in nature. [GeeksForGeeks]
Noted in this news report, “Photographer captures rare white loon in Canada,” Jeff Wagner, CBS Minnesota:
Dale Gentry, the director of conservation for Audubon Upper Mississippi River, said it’s shocking to see a loon with such a color. “I’ve never seen one in person, and I’ve only seen pictures on the internet,” said Gentry. “Albinism and a leucistic bird, they have some sort of genetic change that influences the genes that code for a pigment in their feathers called melanin.”
Pictures at the CBS Minnesota link, above. If you know loons, the photos are a trifle shocking.
