Back to photostream

Leucistic Red Kite

A shot of a Leucistic Red Kite, taken at the Gigrin Farm Red Kite feeding station in Wales.

There are 2 Leucistic red Kite's at Gigrin and luckily for me, this was the one without the huge wing tags.

 

Apparently Leucism "is a condition characterized by reduced pigmentation in animals. Unlike albinism, it is caused by a reduction in all types of skin pigment, not just melanin".

 

The two Leucistic Red Kite's at Gigrin were really getting a hard time from the other Kite's, so I would surmise that Leucism is a major disadvantage for wild animals.

Their success must have a lot to do with the feeding station, where dinner is served every day of the year.

Thanks for looking, cheers! :-)

2,643 views
17 faves
8 comments
Uploaded on September 18, 2013
Taken on September 18, 2013