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leucistic Northern cardinals
Cardinalis cardinalis
30.4694, -83.6302
Field Notes
Description:
Though male cardinals are normally colored red this male showed up at my place that has patches of pink and white feathers. When doing research to be sure it wasn't diseased or poisoned from nearby watering holes, I found out that he is what is referred to as leucistic -
All pigments present but in reduced amounts - or Melanin present in body but not in the feathers - strangely enough I had two Leucisitc cardinals visit - the second one is either a female or young male, hard to tell due to the odd feather colorations. Though this was taken last year, the second cardinal has returned to my feeders and pond. No sign of the bright red male yet. I hope to get better photos this year.
Habitat:
The same as a normal cardinal, though I have noticed that they are picked on by the other cardinals. Reminded me of Rudolph being left out of the reindeer games - so I made sure to put food out in different places so both strangely colored birds could eat in peace.
Notes:
Other birds are also know to have leucism forms.
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBirdsandFeeding/OtherStrangeBirds…
When doing a Google Search for other Leucistic cardinals, I noticed several were spotted and posted last year..things that make you go hmmmm
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