Leucistic Gray Catbird

Leucism is characterized by reduced pigmentation in animals.  Unlike albinism, leucism is caused by a reduction in all types of skin pigment, not just melanin (Wikipedia).  Leucistic animals usually have normal-colored eyes; albinos' eyes often are pink. Frequently, like in this catbird, with its white throat and bill tip, leucism is patchy, resulting in regular-colored animals with patches of white. This condition is called partial luecism. I banded and released this Gray Catbird near Northfield on 19 September 2011.