Leuco-Genetic Red Tailed Hawk by CavalierLady

Photography • Animals • posted on Feb 11, 2007

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Description

This is a Red Tailed Hawk. It is ~not~ an albino. It has the genetic mutation called leucism. Note that this bird has normal eyes, a normal beak, and normal feet. They are not pink or pinkish red like true albinos. Leucistic birds have this particular genetic mutation and lack the pigmentation produced by melanin. But unlike true albinos that lack melanin and all pigment, these birds' pigment is very diluted. It can manifest itself in any spectrum of color, from nearly all white, to patches or blotches of white feathers to just a single white feather. This coloration, while beautiful to us, marks it as different, and places it at a disadvantage. It attracts larger and fiercer raptors, and can be harangued purely because of its appearance. It is very rare to see one of these in the wild. Thanks very kindly for your views. :)...Maria

Comments (44)

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DJB

1:29AM | Mon, 12 February 2007

Clean crisp focus. What an impressive bird with this mutation. Be nice to see one here too. Good work.

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stuart83

1:49AM | Mon, 12 February 2007

Excellent capture, wonderful sharpness & detail Stuart

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evinrude

1:51AM | Mon, 12 February 2007

Beautiful specimen!

kjpweb

6:50AM | Mon, 12 February 2007

Fantastic, Maria! Love it - the clarity and pose AND your info! Look at my avatar! Today's salute is there only for you!

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FriedaFelicia

2:24PM | Mon, 12 February 2007

What an amazing bird. Such great beauty. Wonderful capture.

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LudyMelltSekher

8:07PM | Mon, 12 February 2007

All you artwork is Beautiful!! Fantastic Photography!!!. Excellent!Congratulations!!

loba73

4:22PM | Tue, 13 February 2007

Awesome Shot!!!! =0)

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nightbringer

6:29AM | Wed, 14 February 2007

Very majestic image, I really want a camera so I can try to make those kind of shots.

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three_grrr

11:09PM | Wed, 14 February 2007

Wow! I have never seen or heard of one of these around my neck of the woods. Though I did have a normal red tail hawk come and visit my yard a week or two ago.

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