Leucistic Blackbird

Lacking in inspiration I decided to try a few shots of birds through the window.  I was hoping for something cute such as the fledgling Great Tits or the Young Blue Tits.

However this Leucistic Blackbird has been visiting the garden for a couple of weeks.  I decided I needed to record it in the BTO's (British Trust for Ornithology) web site so the photo seemed appropriate even thought it isn't terribly good.

Some people refer to Leucistic birds as partial albinos but they aren't.  The clue is in the eyes, an albino is a genetic mutation where the genes can't produce tyrosinase and so have no melanin which means no colour anywhere.   Leucism is also genetic and so inherited.  It leads to greater wear on feathers and makes the bird stand out more easily to predators.