Leucistic Black-capped Chickadee

Back in October, during a visit from my mom, we spotted a really strange chickadee at the feeder.  We spotted it again later that  day and got a better look at it.  All we could tell about it from a cursory glance is that it had too much white on its back.  A few days later, I was finally able to snap a picture of it.

Black-capped Chickadee displaying leucism.

The white on its back intrigued me, but I had no idea what it was, so I posted the picture to the Illinois Audubon Society facebook page.  A very knowledgeable individual told me that this chickadee has leucism, which is the lack of pigment in isolated patches.  Later, I found this article from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology on the difference between leucism and albanism. 
Albinism and Leucism in birds.

Unfortunately, I haven't seen this little guy since the above photo was taken.  I don't want to think the worst, but I have a neighborhood Coopers Hawk that likes to prey on small birds, and this guy's white patches makes him a bit more obvious to predators.  Here's hoping I get to see my rare friend again soon.

A suburban hawk

I've had a Coopers Hawk come and visit my yard periodically for the last year or so, but this is the first time he has come this close to the house.  His visits become more frequent in the winter months presumably because the lack of leaves gives him a better view of my finches and doves.  This time he flew directly over to the birdbath and spent some time stalking a pair of sparrows that hang out under our grill.  Needless to say, my cats, my husband and I enjoyed watching him and his antics.

 

Coopers Hawk posing for the camera.

Coopers Hawk looking for prey.

Maybe there's something yummy over there.

Uh oh, I've been spotted!