My bird of the week was
not a lifer yet it was a first-see for me and the other birders on the island. I saw this bird as I was driving along the
village of Chimborazo in the Parish of St. Joseph. Chimborazo is one of the highest points on the
island. This is the second rarity I have
come across in this area. In 2012 I saw
a Lesser Antillean Bullfinch Loxigilla noctis which was in the process of
nesting with our endemic Barbados Bullfinch Loxigilla barbadensis. By now you are looking at the photos and
trying to guess what type of bird it is. Well, it is a Leucistic Barbados Bullfinch. While Leucism
and Albinism are well documented in Bullfinches, it is the
first I have seen. This is also true of
the others I have spoken to. I would
like to say thank you to the house holder, Kim, who lent me her point and shoot
to get the photograph (since I was caught camera less on that day).
Happy birding…
Leucism is a
condition in animals characterized by reduced pigmentation. Unlike albinism, it
is caused by a reduction in all types of skin pigment, not just melanin. (Wikipedi)
No comments:
Post a Comment