Pied Jackdaw

Leucism is an abnormal plumage condition caused by a genetic mutation that prevents pigment, particularly melanin, from being properly deposited on a bird's feathers. As a result the birds do not have the normal, classic plumage colours listed in field guides. The plumage may have several colour changes including:

• White patches where the bird should not have any
• Paler overall plumage that looks faint, diluted or bleached
• Overall white plumage with little or no colour discernible

Birds that show only white patches or sections of leucistic feathers - often in symmetrical patterns - are often called pied or piebald birds.

We have a fair number of Jackdaws Corvus monedula in our locality. They are regular visitors to the bird feeders, particularly the fat balls. Early this morning as I stood at the kitchen window, I suddenly noticed a most unusual 'pied' jackdaw on a platform feeder near the garden fence. I managed to get to a camera with a decent zoom lens - Nikon P510 - and fire off a few shots before the bird flew off. Not brilliant but they do show a degree of leucism in this bird that I have never seen before in a jackdaw.

A nice start to the week....