Strange Crow

[lovfinion]

Took this photo of a crow today, looked like a youngling & pretty malnutritioned , what struck me more was the white patterns on it plumage, a disease or hybrid?

[Meta menardi]

I think it is probably what is known as a leucistic bird, we have a race of Blackbirds here that are very often part white, mostly white and all bits in between. I think a crow could have a bad time from other crows if it stands out. Interested to hear anyone elses thoughts.

[big bill]

Yes it looks like a leucistic crow its to do with a gene deficiency or something like that

[deer boy]

Originally Posted by lovfinion

Took this photo of a crow today, looked like a youngling & pretty malnutritioned , what struck me more was the white patterns on it plumage, a disease or hybrid?

We have a rook just like this,covered in white patches that visits

[aeshna5]

These birds seem more numerous in urban areas + it's possibly due in part to a dietary defiecency. With less melanin pigment these feathers aren't as strong. Genetics may also play a role.

[nightshade]

We have a couple of Crows around that have white undersides to their wings
they have lived here for a good few years.
Possibly the result of eating too many chips and takeaways, human highly refined foods are known to have caused cancers in Kalahari Bushmen

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

These birds seem more numerous in urban areas + it's possibly due in part to a dietary defiecency. With less melanin pigment these feathers aren't as strong. Genetics may also play a role.

I've also heard it argued that they are more likely to survive in the
urban jungle where they blend better than in the country where they
stick out like sore thumbs.

No idea of the validity of the argument though.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Hobjob

I've also heard it argued that they are more likely to survive in the
urban jungle where they blend better than in the country where they
stick out like sore thumbs.

No idea of the validity of the argument though.

Not too many predators other than man, though I guess Foxes may take the odd sick or unwary bird, though usually Crows giving Foxes a tough time!

In rural parts where there are Goshawks they will take Crows.

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Not too many predators other than man, though I guess Foxes may take the odd sick or unwary bird, though usually Crows giving Foxes a tough time!

In rural parts where there are Goshawks they will take Crows.

a peregrine will take a crow but agreed not in enough numbers to influence an evolution in plumage colour!!!!!