Unknown... albino?

by Mack
(Near Seattle, WA)

Saw this near my feeder. Yellow bill and feet, or I'd think it was a house sparrow with partial albinism. Any ideas?

Comments for Unknown... albino?

May 06, 2014

partial albino NEW
by: Dan

If it is a partial Albino, the eyes may not be red/pink, they can be natural color. As the term implies, partial meaning that only part of the animal is effected by the mutation. I know not everyone understands that, but the effect from the mutation can effect any one or more areas of its body.

As for the type of bird it is, I dose look a lot like a wren, of similar, but not that sure.

Apr 07, 2014

White-crowned, I believe
by: Fancy

I believe your bird could actually be a partially leucistic White-crowned Sparrow. The backside and wing patter fits, just not the bill.

Mar 31, 2014

Unknown... albino?
by: Bettie Watts

I THINK YOU ARE PROBABLY RIGHT. I found the following answer to a similar question on another bird id site.It's possible, but more likely it is a partial albino. Many common backyard species display a genetic mutation that affects the color of their feathers, or at least those with the pigment melanin. Only some birds are true albinos, indicated by the presence of pure white feathers, white bills, and eyes that lack pigment (so they appear pink). Partial albinos will have some white feathers (such as wings, or head) or markings combined with normal coloration on other parts. A similar condition, Leucism, is one where a bird exhibits a lighter than usual coloration, but is not pure white. This is due to a genetic mutation preventing melanin from being deposited normally on feathers. Any of these aberrations in pigment can make it tricky to identify the bird, but careful examination of its size, body features, behavior, and other birds it may be with will reveal its true identity.

Mar 31, 2014

unknown...albino?
by: BROOK

where are you located? I don't know but I thought all albinos had red eyes. The eyes look black were you able to get a closer look at eye color? Here in the PNW we several different sparrows that have the light bills and feet. Keep searching for answers, it keeps us healthy!

Mar 31, 2014

unknown...albino?
by: BROOK

in the pic it's eyes look black, were you able to get a better look at the eye color? There are species of other Sparrows that have wing bars like this. Here in the PNW we have Chipping Sparrows and a few others. Wouldn't the eyes be red or reddish if it were an albino?

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