Leucism (/ˈluːsɪzəm, -kɪz-/) is a term used to describe a wide variety of conditions which result in the partial loss of pigmentation in an animal—which causes white, pale, or patchy coloration of the skin, hair, feathers, scales or cuticles, but not the eyes. It is occasionally spelled leukism. Some genetic conditions that result in a “leucistic” appearance include piebaldism,Waardenburg syndrome, vitiligo, Chédiak–Higashi syndrome, and Melanophilin mutations. Pale patches of skin, feathers, or fur (often referred to as “depigmentation”) can also result from injury. As the term “leucism” is used to refer to conditions with a very wide range of unrelated causes it can not be considered to be a single, specific condition.
I have a possum with a half-white tail roaming around my place. It’s a young one, and I was a little worried about it, but leucism hadn’t occurred to me. Thanks to you post, it has. The critter is growing, and seems healthy, so that might be the answer.
I have seen leucistic(is that a word?) magpies and photos of white moose and bison. Maybe it is because I am older, but there seems to be plenty of cases of it in the animal kingdom including humans.. If it was in the eyes, then they would be albino, correct?
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
I have a possum with a half-white tail roaming around my place. It’s a young one, and I was a little worried about it, but leucism hadn’t occurred to me. Thanks to you post, it has. The critter is growing, and seems healthy, so that might be the answer.
It’s only a lack of pigment, the possum is most likely healthy. Thanks, Linda. 🙂
I have seen leucistic(is that a word?) magpies and photos of white moose and bison. Maybe it is because I am older, but there seems to be plenty of cases of it in the animal kingdom including humans.. If it was in the eyes, then they would be albino, correct?
A lovely bird…I have photographed them in California 😊
Thank you very much, Indira. 🙂
Can’t say I’ve seen a Mourning Dove with this appearance yet. I have seen an almost all white White-Tailed Deer once.
Thanks for sharing, NJUF. 🙂
I think your leucistic dove is quite pretty, HJ! 😊 Most times I actually do find leucistic wildlife attractive, having their own unique, special look.
Yes, I agree with that too. Thank you, my friend. 🙂
Though not the species’ usual colouration it certainly does not detract at all from its beauty!
Correct! Thank you, my friend. 🙂
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