Lakeside Nature Center

A Rare Jay

An interesting fledgling entered our rehab hospital the third week of August. While it isn’t a surprise when a caller is unable to identify a bird, all the woman could tell us was that a ‘large white bird’ was rolling around in her yard. I told her to bring it in and we’d be happy to examine it. When she arrived, I was very surprised. She had a Blue Jay fledgling, but it wasn’t blue at all – instead it was off-white. Its eyes were dark and it had normal leg and foot coloration. I had never seen a bird like this (but, in my opinion, it was very cute). This bird was a rarity.

After checking with fellow naturalists, we concluded that the bird was not albino, but leucistic. These animals are often referred to as partial albinos, but the condition is different. An albino animal possesses no melanin pigment at all so its feathers or fur will appear pure white. Eyes, beak and feet will be pink or reddish; the absence of pigment allows red hemoglobin to show through. On the other hand, a leucistic animal usually has off-white or tan plumage or fur, but its eyes, beak, mouth and feet will exhibit normal pigmentation. Leucism is called by reduced pigmentation of all types, not just missing melanin.

It was difficult to diagnose this bird initially. It didn’t behave as if it had a head injury. It couldn’t stand, but had full use of its legs otherwise; it could fully extend its legs and grip with its feet. This was puzzling. Why couldn’t it stand? If it was a head injury, why was its weight so good? Mom and Dad wouldn’t have continued to care for a doomed baby.

I did some more research. Medical evidence suggests that leucistic animals, as well as albinos, are prome to neurological problems. They don’t possess receptors for certain chemicals needed for proper brain function, due to the lack of melanin. It seemed as if our little “Blue” Jay fit the bill.

Browse the gallery of photos of our Blue(?) Jay