Leucistc Jackdaws

Leucistic Jackdaw in Cheshire
The first two photos of a leucistic jackdaw in Cheshire were sent to us by Sheila Blamire. Sheila has also sent us some superb images of a white squirrel, also taken in Cheshire.

 

 

 

Leucistic Jackdaw near Rutland water

Rutland water is best known for it's ospreys, but there is plenty of other wildlife around there as well.

One of our readers, John Walker, has sent us these images (see below) of a very striking, partly leucistc jackdaw very handsome partly-leucistic jackdaw that lives with a flock of 'normal' jackdaws at Rutland Water.

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.

Click here to reports of other leucistic birds.