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Northern Saw-Whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

Photo by RachelM
Published on Project Noah
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43.6525, -79.3817

Field Notes

Description:

I saw this little guy at the Toronto Zoo. I thought it was interesting how his eyes are different colors, it seems to have Heterochromia Indium which is due to an alteration in of the genes that controls eye color. Sometimes a medical condition known as Waardenberg Syndrome could also cause such a difference.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (13)
Ashish
Yellow part is shown of Eye is focusing somewhere. Entire Black Eye means not focusing.
Ylcat
The eye looks like it has been injured, which could be why it is in a zoo and not released back into the wild by a rehabilitation center. I was surprised to see one in Tucson a few years back.
Dangermouse
Interesting to read about the eyes on this fellar. Great photo, love the expression on his face!
Ashish
I think this bird is used each eye for focusing at different distance.
animaisfotos
Very unusual capture. Very beautiful also. Thanks for sharing.
HemaShah
You are welcome Rachel. owl is so cute!
RachelM
Thanks for the great info Emma!
HemaShah
this seems to be an unique situation. Eye color is a polygenic trait. This above owl seems to have Heterochromia Indium which is due to an alteration in of the genes that controls eye color. Sometimes a medical condition known as Waardenberg Syndrome could also cause such a difference.
Ashish
Poor buddy..they are always beautiful..!!

Spotted for Missions

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Birds of the World
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Rare Color Morphs
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Raptors of North America

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Photographed
PublishedApril 17, 2011

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