Different forms of leucism are known and can vary from only a few white feathers (<25%) to
totally white individuals (100%). White feathers of leucistic birds are fully without melanin, with
no coloured patches (however, similar to what has been described above under albinism, if
colours are present that are caused by carotenoids, these remain visible). In certain forms,
only feathers become colourless while eyes, skin and horny bare parts are normally coloured. In
other forms, these parts can become colourless as well. Nevertheless, even birds with the latter
form of leucism still have dark eyes. The reason for this is that only the pigments of the iris are
missing. The pigments in the back of the eyeball remain present and therefore the eyes look dark.
So, leucistic birds always have coloured eyes which distinguishes them from albinos. In all
forms of leucism, the eyesight is normal. Such birds are not hampered by reduced eyesight, and
thus do not have reduced chances of survival.
Consequently, leucistic birds are observed rather frequently.
KINGOFKNGS wrote:
Brent--Funny! I was thinking specifically of leucistic Texas rat snakes--completely white with blue eyes!
I was thinking of all the new morphs of ball pythons. Black eyed leucistic & the blue eyed leucistic.
Leucistic snakes are pure white with either blue or black eyes. For an Albino to be an Albino, the eyes would be red or pink.
From Tony's posted article:
Also, the eyesand skin are colourless. The red or pinkish colour of these parts is caused by the blood that can be seen through the colourless tissue of eyeand skin.
Thanks, everyone. A local Biologist that specializes in birds has confirmed that this is an Albino Raven. Albino Ravens can have pink, red, or blue eyes.
Imagemaster wrote:
Thanks, everyone. A local Biologist that specializes in birds has confirmed that this is an Albino Raven. Albino Ravens can have pink, red, or blue eyes.
Tony
Learn something new everyday!
Thanks for the due diligence on the research Tony. I find genetic mutations fascinating.
