Is this just a Chaffinch with a white head?

[mitcheip]

Whilst out walking the dog today I saw this bird with a white head.The only thing I can think is that its a Chaffinch with a white head. Would anyone agree? (Sorry its a rubbish picture but it was a long way off...)

Ian

[Dogghound]

Yes its a leutistic female chaffinch

[big bill]

Hello Ian yes a leucistic Chaffinch like mentioned possibly a female going by the wings bars

[faz]

nice find big bill female chaffinch

[Farplace]

What a beautiful bird, Ian. Thanks for sharing. Welcome to WAB by the way!

[wizzo]

Cracking spot Ian! Well done

[Amoeba]

How did it get like that is it a random mutation or an inherited trait?

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Amoeba

How did it get like that is it a random mutation or an inherited trait?

Most species of birds can get this type of odd colouring. In my local area I've had the luck to see our pure white blackbird. This is obviously an extreme case, but it's still the same lack of colour pigment in the feathers. Note it's not an albino, the bill and eyes have the correct colour.

The best one I've been lucky enough to see was my blue headed Blue Tit:

This one goes the other way, an excess of colour!

[Amoeba]

That's quite interesting. I'm sure I've seen a robin once with odd black spots all over its red breast and face.

What I meant was... is it something that's carried as a recessive trait, passed down from generation to generation only to be expressed in a few individuals, or is it a random mutation that easily occurs in pigmented animals like birds?

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Amoeba

That's quite interesting. I'm sure I've seen a robin once with odd black spots all over its red breast and face.

What I meant was... is it something that's carried as a recessive trait, passed down from generation to generation only to be expressed in a few individuals, or is it a random mutation that easily occurs in pigmented animals like birds?

I think it's just random. I hasten to add someone else may well come back and point out I'm talking rot again.
It's quite interesting seeing that bird interact with other birds. There's obviously not the slightest difference in the reaction of other Blackbirds to it. They treat it as any other Blackbird.