Susan M. Campbell
09-10-2009, 02:14 PM
Not only is this the time of year when feeders and flowerbeds are alive with migrating hummingbirds, but it is when folks spot oddly colored hummingbirds. These tend to be leucistic hummers with varying degrees of white plumage. They may range form only a few white feathers to being gray or tan all over of being mainly white. Unless the bird completely lacks pigment, which most do not, it is not a true albino. Albinos sport a pink bill and feet as well as a red eye.
Not many of these interesting birds have been studied. Good photos of some individuals exist. But we know very little. One thing is certain: white feathers are very brittle and do not stand up to wear and tear very well. This is likely the main reason we have not documented any adult white hummingbirds. Those that have been banded have been confirmed to juveniles and, furthermore, almost all have been females. Why that is we really are not sure.
I had the privilege to study and band a white Ruby-throated yesterday in Pittsboro, NC. She had been dominating the host's feeders all weekend. Although she was not a true albino, she was very close: a bit of gray could be seen near the base of her tail and she had a light brown bill and dark eye. This was one beautiful bird! I had one other report in our state back in late July but as is most often the case, I heard about the bird the day after it disappeared. We average about one white hummingbird report a year here in NC-- but I am sure there are at least a few more we do not hear about.
If you are lucky enough to spot a white or white-ish hummingbird at any time. do let me know right away!
Susan Campbell
Not many of these interesting birds have been studied. Good photos of some individuals exist. But we know very little. One thing is certain: white feathers are very brittle and do not stand up to wear and tear very well. This is likely the main reason we have not documented any adult white hummingbirds. Those that have been banded have been confirmed to juveniles and, furthermore, almost all have been females. Why that is we really are not sure.
I had the privilege to study and band a white Ruby-throated yesterday in Pittsboro, NC. She had been dominating the host's feeders all weekend. Although she was not a true albino, she was very close: a bit of gray could be seen near the base of her tail and she had a light brown bill and dark eye. This was one beautiful bird! I had one other report in our state back in late July but as is most often the case, I heard about the bird the day after it disappeared. We average about one white hummingbird report a year here in NC-- but I am sure there are at least a few more we do not hear about.
If you are lucky enough to spot a white or white-ish hummingbird at any time. do let me know right away!
Susan Campbell