Monday, January 4, 2010

Leucistic Goldfinch



I noted this one a couple of weeks ago. It now shows up regularly, though not with the other goldfinches. Below is a slightly blurry full shot, with additional dappling via the shade.

No, we're not talking about you, titmouse...

We're talking about this lovely white spotted goldfinch.

The birding community doesn't get too excited about leucistics (unless you have complete albinos, which are eerie) but they can be a useful way of keeping track of individual birds from year to year. So here's year number one.

Just for the sake of comparison, a goldfinch with more normal markings. Some males, even this far into the season, can still have yellow streaks. But the white spots are quite unique.

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