Very rare 'Leucistic' moorhens seen in the UK.
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Leucistic Moorhen Number 4
December 2007. This weeks leucistic moorhen is somewhat different from the previous three, as can be readily seen from the photo, in comparison with the previous three. This moorhen has been at the Wildlfowl and Wetlands Trust Headquarters at Slimbridge for at least 2 years now.
Although by no means completely white, it can be seen that his colouring is very much faded from that of a 'normal' moorhen. Leucism can vary in its strength. There is no such thing as partial leucism, as, like being pregnant, you either are or you are not. However some peole are more pregnat than others, and likewise some birds (mammals and others can be affected by leucism too) have a milder form of leucism than others.
This can manifest itself as light, or white, coloured blotches amongst normal colouring, or, as in this case, just generally faded plumage.
Erythrism
Interestingly last year we were sent photos of we were sent a picture of an Erythristic badger last year. Erythrism is apparently a genetic defect that causes plumage/fur to become much more ginger/red than is usual.
December 2007. This weeks leucistic moorhen is somewhat different from the previous three, as can be readily seen from the photo, in comparison with the previous three. This moorhen has been at the Wildlfowl and Wetlands Trust Headquarters at Slimbridge for at least 2 years now.
Although by no means completely white, it can be seen that his colouring is very much faded from that of a 'normal' moorhen. Leucism can vary in its strength. There is no such thing as partial leucism, as, like being pregnant, you either are or you are not. However some peole are more pregnat than others, and likewise some birds (mammals and others can be affected by leucism too) have a milder form of leucism than others.
This can manifest itself as light, or white, coloured blotches amongst normal colouring, or, as in this case, just generally faded plumage.
Erythrism
Interestingly last year we were sent photos of we were sent a picture of an Erythristic badger last year. Erythrism is apparently a genetic defect that causes plumage/fur to become much more ginger/red than is usual.
Leucistic Moorhen Number 3
November 2007. We have now received a report, and a photo, of a third leucistic moorhen in the UK, in the north west. Again we are fairly 99% sure that this is a different bird, so our assertion that they are 'extremely rare' is beginning to look a little thin. No doubt we will shortly receive news of flocks of them, so if anyone knows about anymore leucistic moorhens, or other leucistic animals or birds, please let us know.
November 2007. We have now received a report, and a photo, of a third leucistic moorhen in the UK, in the north west. Again we are fairly 99% sure that this is a different bird, so our assertion that they are 'extremely rare' is beginning to look a little thin. No doubt we will shortly receive news of flocks of them, so if anyone knows about anymore leucistic moorhens, or other leucistic animals or birds, please let us know.
Leucism (or Leukism)
Leucism is a very unusual condition whereby the pigmentation cells in an animal or bird fail to develop properly. This can result in unusual white patches appearing on the animal, or, more rarely, completely white creatures.
Albinism is a different condition. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is that in albinism the eyes are usually pink or red, and albinism affects the entire animal, not just patches.
This occassionaly causes very excited biologists to think they have discovered a new species, when in fact leucism is the cause of the unusual markings they have seen.
Leucism is a very unusual condition whereby the pigmentation cells in an animal or bird fail to develop properly. This can result in unusual white patches appearing on the animal, or, more rarely, completely white creatures.
Albinism is a different condition. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is that in albinism the eyes are usually pink or red, and albinism affects the entire animal, not just patches.
This occassionaly causes very excited biologists to think they have discovered a new species, when in fact leucism is the cause of the unusual markings they have seen.
Leucistic Moorhen Number 2
November 2007. After our report last month of a 'very rare' leucistic moorhen living in the UK, (see below) we have now received reports and photos of a second leucistic moorhen in Central England.
Are moorhens more prone to leucism than other birds? There seem to be more reports of moorhens with leucism than most other birds; this could be purely down to genetics, or is there something about moorhens that makes them more susceptible?
Does anyone know the answer? Let us know.
November 2007. After our report last month of a 'very rare' leucistic moorhen living in the UK, (see below) we have now received reports and photos of a second leucistic moorhen in Central England.
Are moorhens more prone to leucism than other birds? There seem to be more reports of moorhens with leucism than most other birds; this could be purely down to genetics, or is there something about moorhens that makes them more susceptible?
Does anyone know the answer? Let us know.
Leucistic MoorhenNumber 1, October 2007.
One of our readers has sent us some fantastic photos of a Leucistic moorhen taken in her local park. The moorhen was one of a brood, but none of the others birds show any signs of leucism.
One of our readers has sent us some fantastic photos of a Leucistic moorhen taken in her local park. The moorhen was one of a brood, but none of the others birds show any signs of leucism.
