Leucistic (partial albino) birds
Leucistic (partial albino) birds, including a house sparrow, silvereye, tui, and fantail have been reported by several survey participants. Leucistic birds have a partial or complete lack of melanin in their feathers, making them partially or completely white or pale coloured. Eye, bill, leg, and foot colour remain unaffected. Albino birds have a total lack melanin, not only in their feathers, but also in their eyes, bill, legs and feet. Thus, their feathers are pure white and their eyes, bill, legs, and feet are red or pink.
Leucistic house sparrow. Image - J. Jackman
Leucistic fantail. Image - M. Duncan
Leucistic silvereye. Image - J. Palmer
