The Rare White Red Kite Looking For Prey
This white red kite (The correct term is Leucistic) is an unusual site in the countryside. This photograph was taken at Gigrin Farm Red Kite Feeding Station, Wales. Leucistic means that the colouration is mainly pure white and not the usual reds and blacks of a 'normal' kite. Leucism differs from albinism in that pigment is not entirely absent - in most cases it is at least retained in the eyes. This Leucistic individual is mainly white, and has blue eyes - not to be confused for Albino, which means the lack of colouring evidenced by pink eyes. Leucistic birds are at a major disadvantage as their light colour attracts the unwanted attentions of both red kites and corvids who rob and generally harangue the unfortunate bird purely because it is different. Leucistic red kites rarely survive very long under natural conditions but having found the red kite feeding station it had a much better chance. It can often be seen feeding on the ground in front of the hides in the late afternoon. In Wales around one percent of hatchlings show leucistic tendencies. Lack of melanin pigment in the skin of animals is a relatively rare genetic trait and is evident in red kites due to the very small gene pool from which they are derived in Wales. It is unusual for “White Kites” to breed, although there is evidence of pairs nesting in Wales since 2003. The Welsh Kite Trust provided factual information on the white red kite.
Size: 4043px × 2888px
Location: Gigrin Farm Feeding Station, Rhyader, Wales
Photo credit: © John Porter LRPS / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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