Leucistic Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
Most dunlins have black bellies and black legs, but this one is leucistic, which means it's feathers have reduced pigmentation. Yep, its feathers look bleached.
Dunlin: medium-sized sandpiper
Leucism is different from albinism, which affects all of a bird's colours, including its eyes making them pink or red. This Dunlin has brown eyes and orange feet and bill.
Hunting for yummy treats
Most Dunlins that fly through Ontario are still up north on the western shores of Hudson's Bay. This brave soul is spending time alone on Lake Ontario.
I am connecting to Stewart M's Wild Bird Wednesday HERE
46 comments:
I've always been fascinated by leucistic animals/birds, what great captures!
There was a leucistic hawk which hung around the house when my daughter was wee (about three). She would point at it and say "see my friend? she loves me and comes to check on me". =)
Thanks to you Camera Girl, I'm learning something new.
EG, what a great find. The Leucistic Dunlin is pretty. Wonderful photos.
Obviously found something it likes there on Ontario's shores. :-)
Interesting. I've learned something today. Great shots!
I also learned something new today. I've never heard of a dunlin before.
what a neat sighting!
That's the first time I have heard that term. Neat looking bird!
HI EM Great find and wonderful shots of him
Magnificent. Always love your wildlife shots. They bring the nature right to my room. There really is so much to see in the wild.
Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Lots of summer birds on post today.
i had no idea about albino birds OR this one today. he is beautiful just like he is. love the touches of brown... thanks for sharing the info and the pics
interesting facts and great photos...is there no fear or do you just have a super strong zoom...
Thanks for the lesson-I didn't know about this type of coloration!
A few years ago, there was a white redwing blackbird in the flock congregating in the marsh, but not for long. I think the hawks must have gotten it.
But this guy looks so odd. I wonder if it will find a mate...
What a cute bird. I like his long beak and legs. Nice photos!
So pretty!
That is the same situation with the white squirrels here in Trinity Bellwoods Park. They aren't albinos either. Fascinating stuff, EG!
This reminds me of the leucistic cardinal I saw in the spring. I think they are beautiful. Your shots of this beauty are gorgeous!
Great captures...I have not seen one of these either. That I know of. Wonder if the opposite sex notices the different coloration? I bet they don't.
Great photos and so good to take such clear photos of a very unusual bird.
How interesting. It's still very beautiful.
What a cute little guy. I like his color (or lack thereof!).
Pretty cool find EG!
Excellent images to support your explanation of this condition. To my knowledge this is the first time I've seen a Leucistic Wader.
never seen nor have heard of that term or bird. Learned something new today.
Gill
What an unusual find! Very nice photo documentation and narrative.
Unusual bird. Very nice !
That is a very interesting bird indeed.
Great looking bird and captured so well.
A fascinating bird, I never saw a wader bird with color anomalies.
A lovely bird and with unusual plumage. Thanks for the explanation – I did not know this bird.
It's actually quite pretty. Some leucistic birds are very strange looking.
Looks like that beak comes in handy.
Great shots of this neat looking bird. Learned a new one today.
And I always thought Leucistic Dunlin was an elderly Norwegian man!
I have never heard of this word, so now I have learned something. Plus seeing a new bird. Your close-up shots are so good and sharp! I love those big green wheels and lantern from yesterday's post!
What a great name!
You mean the poor bird is all alone there. Is it because of the coloration? We have Dunlin here in the Spring. They are fun to watch. MB
That's quite a find! What an interesting looking Dunlin! And great photos of this bird. They can be rather tricky.
Which also gets me thinking.....does the coloration(or lack of) have an effect on his chances to breed?
I LOVE that beak!!!
What a lovely bird, bleached feathers and all.
I learned something too. I think this bird is attractive with the brown feathers!
you can´t help feeling sorry for it. Even if it looks beautiful. But it does not know I suppose.
I've never seen one before, but it sure is pretty. Nice photos of it.
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