Leucistic Malachite Kingfisher
Leucism results from an absence of melanin in a bird’s feathers, making the feathers white or light-colored. It is not the same as albinism, because albinos have red eyes. Leucism can result in all or some of the feathers being white or light-colored. This Malachite Kingfisher on the Kazinga Channel was pure white with a red bill. Even though the Malachite Kingfisher is not rare, a pure leucistic one is exceptionally rare.
Leucistic Malachite Kingfisher
Leucism results from an absence of melanin in a bird’s feathers, making the feathers white or light-colored. It is not the same as albinism, because albinos have red eyes. Leucism can result in all or some of the feathers being white or light-colored. This Malachite Kingfisher on the Kazinga Channel was pure white with a red bill. Even though the Malachite Kingfisher is not rare, a pure leucistic one is exceptionally rare.