While many of us may not be too happy with all of this early spring snow, we saw a flash of white at the Wildlife Center that we did get instantly excited about. In a group of hungry dark-eyed juncos, eastern towhees and white-throated sparrows, we noticed a few less common fox sparrows. Our new research assistant, Gabby Cammarata, then noticed an odd white colored bird around the same size darting around we had trouble identifying at first. It really stood out and at first we thought it could be a snow bunting or even an escaped exotic pet bird until we got a closer look.
It was a leucistic fox sparrow, which means that the bird has abnormal, white plumage. Leucism is caused by a genetic mutation where in the case of a bird, prevents it from developing normal plumage, resulting in partial loss of pigment. Unlike albinism, that also affects the eyes which this does not, it is caused by a reduction in multiple types of pigment, not just melanin. You can see some of the standard colors and patterns mixed in but there is mostly white feathers where there normally wouldn’t be. This species is migrating back north after overwintering here and to the south. We feel especially grateful to see this particularly unique individual right here at the Susquehannock Wildlife Center, further confirming our love for this special place.
