We sighted and photographed two Northern Flickers, one of which was leucistic (also spelled leukistic). The leucistic flicker is shown in the first two photos and the normal Northern Flicker in the last photo.
Leucism is an abnormal condition of reduced pigmentation that is marked by overall pale color or patches of reduced coloring, such as the large white spot on the back of this Northern Flicker. It is the result of a genetic mutation which inhibits melanin and other pigments from being deposited in feathers, hair or skin.
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