A WHITE GREEN HERON IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Abstract

Albinism, leucism, and other patterns of pigment reduction are widespread among birds, with examples having been documented for 50 avian families in North America alone, representing well over 245 species (Ross 1963). Recurring pigment reduction within populations may have interesting behavioral and evolutionary implications (Graves 1992; Holyoak 1978), but most publications documenting albinism and leucism seek simply to add to a growing registry of affected species.