Partially leucistic Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco (Junco hyemalis), backyard, Navajo County

This Partially leucistic Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco was photographed by Elaine Hough on 20 October 2009.

It is hard to know if these white feathers are genetic or due to feather loss.  Black feathers are energetically expensive to make, so birds that accidentally lose some black feathers often grow cheaper white feathers as quick replacements. 

20 October 2009, photo by Elaine Hough

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