Pigment-deficient Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Gilbert Water Ranch, Maricopa County

This pigment-deficient Mallard was photographed by Bernie Howe on 23 January 2016

While abnormal plumages in Mallards can often be attributed to captive-bred birds, leucism does occur rarely in wild ducks and the pattern of this bird suggests leucism or other pigment deficiency over captive breeding. Note the more rapid wear of flight feathers and scapulars lacking a normal amount of the pigment melanin.

23 January 2016, photo by Bernie Howe

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer