Snow White stopped by our house last week. I didn’t see Dopey or Doc or any of her other Dwarf friends, but she was there in all her snow-white glory. I think my Snow White was an albino cowbird – at least it was the same size and shape as a cowbird. Interestingly, Nancy saw some grackles feeding that same bird a few days later. Cowbirds are notorious for laying their eggs in the nests of other birds and my guess is that Mama Cowbird caught the grackles not paying attention, laid her egg there and is not letting the larger birds do the dirty work.
Almost every year, I’ll notice a bird like Snow White in all or mostly white feathers. I saw a white cardinal last year.
I have come to find out that birds with white feathers can be either albinos or leucistic.
Albinism occurs when a bird’s genetics impair melanin production, leading to an all-white plumage. Exposed blood vessels give the eyes, beak and legs a red or pink appearance.
Unlike albinism, leucism doesn’t eliminate pigment entirely. Leucistic birds may appear muted or show white patches, but they always retain some pigmentation in the feathers or in features such as the eyes, beak or feet. I believe this bird did have pink eyes – I couldn’t tell for sure – which would make her a true albino.
As an avid bird watcher, it’s always exciting to see a new friend in my yard, especially a celebrity such as Snow White.
