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Post by kastern on Nov 25, 2005 14:13:45 GMT -8
Have had a huge flock of Red Wing Black Birds over here today, sometimes accompanied by a large flock of Starlings. One of the Red Wings has albino markings on it. Most of the top of the head is white, there is a large white cape over the nape of the neck and when it flies you can see several white feathers in the tail as well.
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Post by Gord on Dec 1, 2005 8:42:54 GMT -8
I remember reading somewhere the red-winged blackbirds are commonly partially albino and might even be the most common bird that is such.
Ive never seen one though! I think dark-eyed juncos are the most 'common' Ive seen with 3 different birds in my birding career. Also recall a song sparrow and a robin last year out at Cheam. He's been there for 3 years now! Pretty good for any small bird never mind one that has the handicap of different plumage. Apparently birds with partial or full abinoism do not survive long between not fitting in with their species and being easier to see by predators.
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Post by kastern on Dec 2, 2005 14:49:06 GMT -8
This is the third Red Wing I've seen with the albino markings. That particular one was only here for two days, the big flock seems to have moved on although we have a smaller flock of 30 or so still hanging around. I have quite an extensive collection of photos of various Dark Eyed Juncos with albino markings. I call them 'piebalds' as I used to breed Siberian Huskies and Huskies with those sorts of markings are called 'piebalds'. I find that most of these Juncos migrate through about March and it is always interesting to watch to see if there are any returnees or if they are all new. Have also seen partially albino robins, we too have one of those that has been around for several years. In fall of 2004 had a Varied Thrush that had one white clump of feathers on one wing.
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