Meet Leucy!

     This is Leucy! I know, not a very original name for a leucistic bird, but I called her that one day and it stuck. I suppose we cannot be 100 % sure she is a female, however, due to the fact that she has so much brown on her belly we are assuming that she is most likely a female.

      According to Merriam Webster, leucism is “an abnormal condition of reduced pigmentation affecting various animals (such as birds, mammals, and reptiles) that is marked by overall pale color or patches of reduced coloring and is caused by genetic mutation which inhibits melanin and other pigments from being deposited  in feathers, hair, or skin”. This is not to be confused with albinism.

 

      Leucy is such a treat to see! For those of you who are birders, you can relate to the sheer excitement that runs through your veins when you see a new species! Or, maybe I just don’t get out enough, but I comfort myself in the fact that my husband is just as goofy and enthralled as I am. He makes me seem or at least feel normal! Hahahaha! (By the way, although it seems childish to put hahahaha, I will always put hahahaha as opposed to haha because I don’t chuckle, I laugh, and heartily too!)

 

     Leucy was very shy for a few months and did not come as often as the other cardinals but for the last few weeks she has made herself more at home and is frequenting the feeders for longer periods throughout the day. She still does not feed as early or late as the other cardinals. Birds need to be able to camouflage themselves for protection from other animals and larger birds. Although Leucy is beautiful because of her white patches and various colors, it makes it more difficult to disguise herself. So far, she seems to have done well in protecting herself.

PAVERS MAKE GREAT ELEVATED GROUND FEEDERS!*

    

 

       Leucy brings us so much joy because she is unique. All of the birds on this property are cared for and we talk about some of them like they are pets because they are unique just like Leucy. Example: We had a mocking bird with a broken leg and it healed very awkwardly so we always knew it was the same one. Anyway, it will be interesting to see just how long we get to enjoy Leucy’s company. We see an average of 13 cardinals at a time daily, but other than Leucy, they all look the same (other than the obvious male and female distinctions) so it’s hard to tell if a new one has joined the gang! I feel like a scientist tracking the life of a bird, only in a remedial manner without having to make any effort whatsoever ….. such as having to catch the bird and apply an ankle bracelet! Oh, birding is so much fun!

For those of you who are wondering what in the world is going on with the cement "prison wall" look in all the pictures, those are blocks that house raised garden beds and the birds LOVE to perch on them frequently!

I have done some reading on different websites but will just leave you with 4 interesting points:

1-Although this unique bird is exciting to see, its color patterns can make it more difficult to find a mate because plumage is part of the mating ritual.

2-Lack of melanin in the feathers can make the wings weaker making flight more difficult.

3-Leucistic birds are more likely to become prey to other birds and animals.

4-Although white feathers help reflect heat, it can be fatal for birds in the winter because they sunbathe to warm their bodies.

So, the lesson here is to truly appreciate their beauty as well as the hardships that these special birds face!