Partial leucistic dark eye junco

[Ghislaine Griswold]

Crappy photo through living room window and screen, sorry. This guy/gal has been visiting irregularly for a couple months. Douglas County, 6000ft elevation, just south of Sedalia on highway 105. I just saw another one with different white spots, so there are more than one! Do they pass on this trait, so we will be seeing all kinds of spotted juncos next year?

Thanks,

Ghislaine Griswold

[Ghislaine Griswold]

I read a bit about leucism causes and effects. Seems there is conflicting evidence about whether this is genetic or not. White patches can be caused by genetic mutations in the root cells of the feathers, or by environmental damage -- like predator claws!  Some studies of mate choice in juncos indicate that the girls like the flashy white tails on the guys, but the guys do not care if girls have white. So this may or may not be genetic, and may or may not affect breeding (or survival) success.  So I guess I just have to wait until next year, to see if I have a new crop of piebald juncos. That would be fun!

[Camille Schiraldi]

we have a leucitic house finch that has been around for a few months!  Maybe something in the DougCO's water.  LOL