Unusual Bird: Strange Junco
Additional images:
The pictured Junco has been in my yard the past 2 days. It is with other Juncos but not amidst them; rather on the edges similar to unusual species of gulls seen with Ring-billeds. The markings on the face are symmetrical. The back, not well shown, is lighter color with hints of rufous a la “Oregon Junco.” The edges of some flight feathers are white, also symmetrical. So Juncos hybridize with–guessing–Snow Buntings? If it’s partial albinism it’s odd that it’s mostly symmetrical. I say mostly because some white feathers on the tail do not appear to be symmetrical. The size and shape are like that of other Juncos.
Categories: Leucistic birds
Tags: Junco
Comments
One comment on “Unusual Bird: Strange Junco”
I believe that is leucism (partial albinism). I have seen some photos of other birds with semi-symmetrical white markings but the markings are caused by leucism.