First record of chromatic aberrations in the Cream-backed Woodpecker (Campephilus leucopogon, Picidae)

Abstract

According to van Grouw (2013), leucism and progressive graying are types of plumage aberrations defined as the partial or total lack of melanin in feathers and skin, which may result in an all-white plumage or all-white feathers mixed with normally colored ones. The distribution of white feathers varies from only few feathers to a full-white plumage. In birds with completely leucistic plumage, the skin is colorless, in partially leucistic plumages as well as in birds with progressive graying the skin and bill usually is of normal color. All birds with progressive graying and leucistic plumage have normally colored eyes, which differentiate them from albino birds (van Grouw 2006).