Dark-eyed Junco?

[Michael Gerald-Yamasaki]

Greetings. Backyard bird with white markings around eyes a bit different then the other dark-eyed juncos about:



Just an individual variation?

Any help on identity would be appreciated.

Cheers,

-Michael-

[John Chardine]

Hi Michael- That's an "Oregon" type Dark-eyed Junco male. It used to be considered a separate species from the junco in the east but they were lumped a few years back. The white feathers below the eye look like a little bit of "leucism". This is a genetic trait that causes varying amounts of loss of pigment over the body. This guy does not have a severe case!

[Michael Gerald-Yamasaki]

John,

Thanks much... I was puzzled by the white marks... We have a leucistic scrub jay that frequents our back yard for the past 6 months... I've been looking for offspring that managed to get the trait. There may be one now, but haven't seen them both together so I can't be sure. Anyway, thanks again.

Cheers,

-Michael-