Hairy Woodpecker, Stained?

[Rob O'Connell]

Hey all, I have recently returned from a trip and found a new visitor at the feeders. It is a Hairy Woodpecker that appears to have its white feathers stained with a rufous tinge. In looking through the guides I have, I do not see anything that is abnormal about it other than the coloration of the white feathers. The pattern definitely looks "eastern" so I am assuming it is some sort of staining. Has anyone ever seen anything like this before? Is it possible that it is nesting inside a specific type of tree? Or is there some other type of food it might be eating that is causing the discoloration?

A google image search has turned up a few others like this but none of them had any other information regarding the ultimate cause. Some thought maybe it was inhabiting either a black walnut tree or possibly a remnant of a burned tree, however it was all conjecture. Any thoughts on it would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks in advance and happy birding. 

Rob O'Connell

Cumberland

[Herb Wilson]

Hi Rob,

Here's a little information: http://web.colby.edu/mainebirds/2012/10/21/albinism-and-other-feather-oddities/

Herb

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