A new one on me!

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Bird
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A new one on me!

Post by Bird » Fri Jun 14, 2024 12:50 pm

We have tons of birds coming to feed here, including plenty of wood pigeons, but I've never seen one this colour - feral pigeons yes, but never a woody! Isn't he awesome? (I hope the photos upload..
20240609_165104.jpg
20240609_165101.jpg

Jacksparrow
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Re: A new one on me!

Post by Jacksparrow » Fri Jun 14, 2024 8:14 pm

A great spot :clap: I get plenty of Woodies but I have never seen a colour variation like that. :shake:

Bird
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Re: A new one on me!

Post by Bird » Fri Jun 14, 2024 11:22 pm

I know! I can't find anything online about different colour ones.

Willpar
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Re: A new one on me!

Post by Willpar » Fri Jun 14, 2024 11:24 pm

Very unusual colour for a woodie. Makes me wonder if one of the parents was a feral.

Bird
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Re: A new one on me!

Post by Bird » Sat Jun 15, 2024 10:16 am

I've wondered that too Willpar, though we are inundated with woodies, and I've never seen a feral pigeon here - it's not out the question, but for now I'm going to just believe he's a magic pigeon. :D

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Butterfly
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Re: A new one on me!

Post by Butterfly » Tue Jun 18, 2024 10:06 am

Very interesting, I've never seen a woody that colour. I wonder if it's maybe leucistic :unsure:
From this article: https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/ ... -in-birds/
A lesser-known genetic condition is called leucism. Unlike albinism, leucism doesn’t completely eliminate pigment. Leucistic birds have incredibly varied patterns. They may appear more muted than their counterparts or they can be dotted with white patches. These birds are occasionally mistaken for albinos, but leucistic birds always have some pigment in their feathers or other body parts, such as their feet, eyes or beak.
It does look a bit like that.

Bird
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Re: A new one on me!

Post by Bird » Tue Jun 18, 2024 1:32 pm

Thanks butterfly, it's a possibility! Although he's a very uniform colour, and totally 'wood pigeon' from the neck up.
I've emailed the RSPB but they're so busy, I don't expect a fast response.
My dad's got a totally white (not albino) feral who comes for feed, he's gorgeous!

Jacksparrow
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Re: A new one on me!

Post by Jacksparrow » Tue Jun 18, 2024 8:54 pm

Bird wrote:
Tue Jun 18, 2024 1:32 pm
Thanks butterfly, it's a possibility! Although he's a very uniform colour, and totally 'wood pigeon' from the neck up.
I've emailed the RSPB but they're so busy, I don't expect a fast response.
My dad's got a totally white (not albino) feral who comes for feed, he's gorgeous!
The BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) would be interested as they collect that kind of data.

Bird
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Re: A new one on me!

Post by Bird » Wed Jun 19, 2024 5:25 pm

Oh thanks Jacksparrow! I'll contact them.

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