Ghost Bird in Greenwich (CT)

[Donna]

Here’s a cool picture of an albino Red-tailed Hawk that was taken here in Greenwich. Thanks to Jennifer Braverman for sending in the photo and for giving me permission to use the image. She relayed to me that it didn’t seem keen to pose for photos, but I think the snap gives a pretty good idea of just how white this particular bird is. A pretty incredible looking individual.

[valhalla]

Very cool picture.     Ok, a question for someone far wiser than I....

I notice the hawk still has BYF and I thought that albino meant everything was without pigment.  Are feet different and if so, why the varient colors during growth and even adults?

[MAK]

    What a gorgeous hawk!   

[Bird Crazy]

I maybe wrong but I think there are degrees of albino-ism. Total being everything including having pink eyes, and partials. Like there can just be a few feathers to almost all feathers etc.

[Patti from Kentucky]

I maybe wrong but I think there are degrees of albino-ism. Total being everything including having pink eyes, and partials. Like there can just be a few feathers to almost all feathers etc.

Yup...here are a couple of articles; there are actually several different forms of pigmentation disorders, both of which can result in partial coloration.  I've also seen house sparrows in my yard with one completely white feather, or two completely white feathers, which I read may result from toxins (pesticides, for example) during feather development rather than a genetic origin.  My yard's completely organic, but I'm assuming some of the neighbors aren't so kind to the critters.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albinism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucism

[valhalla]

I maybe wrong but I think there are degrees of albino-ism. Total being everything including having pink eyes, and partials. Like there can just be a few feathers to almost all feathers etc.

Yup...here are a couple of articles; there are actually several different forms of pigmentation disorders, both of which can result in partial coloration.  I've also seen house sparrows in my yard with one completely white feather, or two completely white feathers, which I read may result from toxins (pesticides, for example) during feather development rather than a genetic origin.  My yard's completely organic, but I'm assuming some of the neighbors aren't so kind to the critters.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albinism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucism

Thank you both!  I knew someone would know, as I certainly didn't about the degrees thereof or disorders.  I always thought - born with it and the red eyes, too.  Thanks for today's education!

[Tokira]

there are actually several different forms of pigmentation disorders, both of which can result in partial coloration. 

The well-known Siamese color pattern seen in cats results from a faulty (incomplete) albinism gene, in which the color fails to develop in areas of normal temperature, but develops in cooler areas, ie: Points.  That particular gene is also the cause of the Siamese blue eye, which is not the same as the blue eye in a non-Siamese.  It is also not the same as the "dominant white", which hides other colors.  Genetics is fun :-)
Carol
Tokira Siamese and Orientals since 1970
(retired)

[Bird Crazy]

wow didn't know that. Cool.

[valhalla]

there are actually several different forms of pigmentation disorders, both of which can result in partial coloration. 

The well-known Siamese color pattern seen in cats results from a faulty (incomplete) albinism gene, in which the color fails to develop in areas of normal temperature, but develops in cooler areas, ie: Points.  That particular gene is also the cause of the Siamese blue eye, which is not the same as the blue eye in a non-Siamese.  It is also not the same as the "dominant white", which hides other colors.  Genetics is fun :-)
Carol
Tokira Siamese and Orientals since 1970
(retired)

AND I had Meezers for over 20 years and didn't know that!  Way to go Carol!     I did know that most domestic cats have a strain of Siamese in them, and I did get into some of the genetics with my Bali (long-hair Siamese), but not like this.  Rich is going to be in awe when I read him this!   

[Tokira]

AND I had Meezers for over 20 years and didn't know that!  Way to go Carol!     I did know that most domestic cats have a strain of Siamese in them, and I did get into some of the genetics with my Bali (long-hair Siamese), but not like this.  Rich is going to be in awe when I read him this!   

Yes, it's a single gene, and a recessive, which is why it can be carried without being seen.  It's present in a lot of mixed breed cats, a single copy doesn't show, but can be passed on to offspring, making them carriers as well.  Then if a carrier breeds with another carrier, the kittens may get TWO copies, et Voila! Pointed kittens.  That is why someone's non-Siamese Moggie may produce little surprises   Interesting factoid: The Siamese Blue Eye reflects in photographs as red eye, whereas the non-Siamese Blue, and other eye colors, reflect green.  Google Tapetum Lucidum for yet more info     And an Odd-eyed cat may have one of each, really a trip in photos.
The long hair gene is ALSO recessive, hence the occasional Bali surprise from Siamese of uncertain ancestry.
As they say, Recessives Are Forever...
Carol
fascinated with the wonders of genetics