melanistic White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica ), Green Valley, Pima County

This dark White-winged Dove was discovered and photographed by Gus Hallgren on 29 June 2009 in his yard in Green Valley.  This bird is either melanistic or possibly just extremely dirty. 

In general, melanism (excess dark pigment) is much rarer in birds than pigment deficiencies such as albinism and leucism. 

29 June 2009, photo by Gus Hallgren

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