Why Are Birds White

Birds that lack the color pigment melanin have a genetic mutation called albinism. These birds are often pure white, but in some cases an albino bird might still have yellow or orange feathers. Those warmer colors are carotenoid pigments, rather than melanin ones, so they’re still present in albino birds.

Why some birds are white?

White isn’t always so conspicuous in the environment, however, and some birds actually have evolved white coloration as camouflage. … Finally, dark-colored birds can sometimes have abnormally white feathers due to a genetic condition, such as albinism or leucism (pronounced “loo-sizum”).

Why do birds have white feathers?

Leucism, or leukism, is an abnormal plumage condition caused by a genetic mutation that prevents pigment, particularly melanin, from being properly deposited on a bird’s feathers. Birds with leucism are white.