Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Toronto Reports => Topic started by: Charline on May 23, 2021, 12:09:18 PM

Title: Why are there so many leucistic American Robins this year?
Post by: Charline on May 23, 2021, 12:09:18 PM
I have seen at least three different leucistic American robins since this spring.

Yesterday I saw another one with a white head. Unfortunately I did not take a photo.


This one was seen on May 18, in midtown Toronto.

https://charline.pixels.com/featured/1-leucistic-american-robin-charline-xia.html


Another one was photographed in High Park in March.

https://charline.pixels.com/featured/leucistic-american-robin-charline-xia.html

They are all different birds.


I thought they are supposed to be rare. Why are there so many this year?
Title: Re: Why are there so many leucistic American Robins this year?
Post by: Shortsighted on May 23, 2021, 01:31:52 PM
May be gang related, like a tattoo. Part of hood culture ... robin hood? A huge sale on bleach? What's her name? Leucie?
Title: Re: Why are there so many leucistic American Robins this year?
Post by: Charline on May 23, 2021, 04:49:30 PM
May be gang related, like a tattoo. Part of hood culture ... robin hood? A huge sale on bleach? What's her name? Leucie?


LOL, I went back to look for the white-headed Leucie, she was avoiding me!!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Why are there so many leucistic American Robins this year?
Post by: Shortsighted on May 23, 2021, 09:01:55 PM
Leucie avoiding you? Of course she's avoiding you! She knows that you're going to ask her about the white patches. Leutsie knows, full well, that she's got some splaining to do.
Title: Re: Why are there so many leucistic American Robins this year?
Post by: Charline on May 26, 2021, 01:29:58 PM
Seriously, for your long-term and serious bird watchers, how often do you see a leucistic bird?

Are they just following me around??
Title: Re: Why are there so many leucistic American Robins this year?
Post by: thouc on May 27, 2021, 11:49:52 AM
Leuicism is inherited, so these might be relatives of each other and also explains why it might be more common in a certain area.


https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/gbw/gardens-wildlife/garden-birds/behaviour/plumage/leucism#:~:text=Although%20leucism%20is%20inherited%2C%20the,be%20more%20prone%20to%20wear. (https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/gbw/gardens-wildlife/garden-birds/behaviour/plumage/leucism#:~:text=Although%20leucism%20is%20inherited%2C%20the,be%20more%20prone%20to%20wear.)



Title: Re: Why are there so many leucistic American Robins this year?
Post by: Charline on May 27, 2021, 10:39:06 PM
It makes sense, Thouc, the white head and spotted one are very likely related.