Albino House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), Hereford, Cochise County

This albino bird, probably a House Finch, was photographed by Tom Deecken on 23 July 2015

Albinism is very rarely reported in wild birds. Albinism as opposed to leucism is indicated by the complete lack of pigment throughout the bird, including in bill, feet, legs, and eyes. The purple color is staining from Opuntia fruits.

Without any coloration or patterning, identification is based only on shape and structure. Generally this bird best fits a House Finch, although the bill is rather large for that species and it is possible that this bird could be a different species.

23 July 2015, photo by Tom Deecken

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