Is this a Rare Pink-Legged Chickadee?
Outdoor Ontario

Is this a Rare Pink-Legged Chickadee?

Walter Sobchak

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This guy didn't stay put for very long.  It looked like a weird Chickadee.  Things unusual...

1. Pink Feet
2. No Black cap, see how the eye is surrounded by white.
3. Light beak

If this is a new species I will call it the "Pink-Legged Chickadee"

Opinions?


« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Walter Sobchak »


JTF

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This is a Partial albino chickadee due to the pink legs and unusual coloring on the upper body.

Albinism is a pigment (melanin) deficiency that occurs rarely among birds and mammals, even including humans.  The effects among birds vary from a few white feathers to all-white plumage. A true albino bird is very rare. It would have no pigment in its feathers, bill or legs and its eyes would appear pinkish-red, because the blood vessels can be seen when the typically dark color is missing.

Albinism is normally caused by a genetic mutation that can be inherited if both parents have the albino gene. If it's hereditary, then a new set of feathers will carry the same white pattern.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by JTF »
Paul O\'Toole


Walter Sobchak

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Interesting, thank you for the reply.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Walter Sobchak »