Alison Robertson and Chris Jackson have spotted this oddly-coloured male chaffinch in their garden this winter and  wondered if anyone else in Glencaple has seen it? 

We know that it has been spotted at Glencaple Farm too, and is a leucistic bird – the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) explain that this could be one of a few conditions coming under the umbrella leucistic. 

“In leucistic birds, affected plumage lacks melanin pigment due to the cells responsible for melanin production being absent. This results in a white feathers, unless the normal plumage colour also comprises carotenoids (e.g. yellows), which remain unaffected by the condition. Although leucism is inherited, the extent and positioning of the white colouration can vary between adults and their young, and can also skip generations if leucistic genes are recessive.

The reduction of pigment in leucistic birds causes feathers to weaken and be more prone to wear. In some situations this can hinder flight, which, in addition to leucistic birds usually being more conspicuous, can heighten risk of predation. There is also evidence that leucistic birds might, on occasion, not be recognised or accepted by a potential mate.”

Thank you Chris and Alison! And well done capturing it on camera! 

If you’ve spotted anything odd locally, do let us know! caerlaverockcommunity@gmail.com