Douglas County Birds: Rare Leucistic Fox Sparrow
The Fox Sparrow can be found across the United States including Canada, Alaska, and some parts of Mexico. There are four different types of Fox Sparrows but this particular one is a Sooty Fox Sparrow. They often nest on the ground in blackberry and other small bushes and shrubs. Fox Sparrows are often found nesting near the coast, but in the winter they move farther inland and can be seen in backyards under feeders. This bird is rare because most Fox Sparrows are brown with a little bit of white on their chest. But in this case, there is a lot more white than normal which makes it rare, and there is white on its back which there usually isn't. Leucism is caused by a genetic change that keeps the bird from developing normal feathers by hindering the placement of melanin, which makes the color. As you can see on this bird, the feathers show white where it shouldn't be, and its feathers looked bleached.