Another article.........


Leucestic Bald Eagle by Flip Putthoff

Leucestic Bald Eagle by Flip Putthoff

Each January wildlife officials count the Bald Eagles around Beaver Lake in Arkansas. The 2010 count may have been down from last year, but they were surprised to find that a leucistic Bald Eagle is calling the lake home.

The difference between leucism and albinism is often confused. Albinism is characterized by a total or partial lack of melanin pigment. Leucism is similar to albinism but it is a reduction in all types of pigmentation not just melanin. In birds, this can result in patches of white feathers. Also in leucistic birds, the eyes and feet are usually their normal color like this Bald Eagle.

I’ve seen photos and videos of other leucistic or albino birds on the internet and in person, but this is the very first time I’ve ever seen a leucistic Bald Eagle. Pretty neat!

Leucestic Bald Eagle by Flip Putthoff