White blackbirds and spotted pigeons: rare bird colors in Stuttgart

White blackbirds and spotted pigeons: rare bird colors in Stuttgart

It is a rare mood of nature that can always be observed in gardens and parks: birds, especially blackbirds, with white plumage shares. In addition to blackbirds, house sparrows, jackdaws and raven crows are also affected by this phenomenon, especially black bird species with white feathers are particularly noticeable. Exactly figures for this phenomenon, which is referred to as "whitelings", are not available due to the lack of systematic surveys. It is assumed that your share is in the lower single -digit percentage range, with a cluster in cities and settlements to deficits in food supply or an increased probability of observation.

The causes of the appearance of white feathers in birds can be varied. Black color pigments are missing, which can be attributed to hereditary factors (leuzism), diseases or nutritional deficits. In the case of raven crows and jackdaws, for example, white sections in the wing springs often indicate food deficits and poor spring quality, which can be observed more often in urban environments. With increasing age, the birds often bleach out to the completely white bird with a genetic cause, which is referred to as "gray".

Compared to albinism, the blackbirds with white feathers show an asymmetrical distribution of white feathers, while their eyes are colored normally - in contrast to the decolorized appearance in albinism. As a rule, these “white people” are not affected and are typical of the type, but have an increased risk of not finding a partner or being caught by prey. White or spotted plumage can also have been created by pairing of different bird species or genetic mutations. Leuzism and albinism also occur in other animal groups, such as snakes, amateur and mammals.

Overall, the appearance of birds with white springs is a fascinating, albeit rare observation for nature lovers and ornithologists alike. The variety of causes and characteristics of this phenomenon offers space for further research and observation in the field of bird history and animal genetics.