"White" Oystercatcher

[Nikolas Haass <>]

Annette,

I agree with Bruno. I myself have seen many leucistic European Oystercatchers - 
all variations from just a few additional white spots to totally white. 
Interestingly I've never seen that in the two American Oystercatcher species. 
However, even a totally leucistic bird is not an albino - there are two 
different mechanisms that lead to leucism or to albinism.

Nikolas

 
----------------
Nikolas Haass

Sydney, NSW



----- Original Message ----
From: Annette Harrison <>
To: ; ; ; 

Sent: Friday, December 7, 2007 11:47:08 AM
Subject: "White" Oystercatcher


 
Thanks for forwarding that to me Greg. Just 2c more on the topic...
I've also seen and photographed a leucistic Australian Pied Oystercatchers in 
Tasmania and spoke to Bruno Ens ( Netherlands ) about it. He said it (leucistic 
appearance) also occurs in the European Oystercatchers to the extent where 
albino's have occurred.

Annette Harrison


PS, how do I join up to receive these postings??