This picture was taken in early morning, a few days ago at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Orange County, California. This duck was cruising alone among many Northern Shovelers. I suspect a hybrid? Any help with ID appreciated.
Hi Wendell- This looks like a Mallard but it may not be a hybrid. It's possible this bird is leucistic, which is a condition whereby the dark pigments are reduced. This sometimes produces white feather patches or turns the dark feathers a light beige colour like this bird. This colour has a specific name- Isabelline. I've seen isabelline Gentoo and Adélie Penguins before. Posted is a Gentoo. Anyway, look forward to other's ideas.
Last edited by John Chardine; 02-21-2011 at 09:22 PM.
Reason: made correction
Leucism (or Leukism)
Leucism is a very unusual condition whereby the pigmentation cells in an animal or bird fail to develop properly. This can result in unusual white patches appearing on the animal, or, more rarely, completely white creatures.
Albinism is a different condition. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is that in albinism the eyes are usually pink or red, and albinism affects the entire animal, not just patches
ps - wendell good to hear from you - please visit the forum often.
John and Jeff: Thanks for your clear explanations of what I photographed. I surely would never have guessed the ID . . . I never heard of leucism . . .