Rare Leucistic crow clicked in Jagdalpur distt

 

 

 

The first report of the presence of an extremely rare Leucistic crow in Chhattisgarh has come from Jagdalpur. Government PG College, Jagdalpur Head of Department of Zoology Dr Sushil Dutta reported the first Leucistic crow in Chhattisgarh. Dutta said colour aberrant house crows are rare. Further studies on the occurrence of this form in other parts of Chhattisgarh as well as its genetic studies are suggested to understand the frequency and type of colour aberration. This is because it is a large species with a typical colour, there is hardly any chance of it going unnoticed and harassment or persecution by children and others cannot be denied. Plumage aberrations are not uncommon in birds, but there is some confusion in the literature, especially in relation to albinos. Leucism from the Greek leukos (for ‘white’), can be defined as the partial or total lack of melanin both in feathers and skin. Leucistic birds have normal eye colours and normally coloured bills and feet.

 

One morning in the winters of 2020- 2021; I was on my way to birding when I was informed by villagers about a white crow-like bird. On inquiry, it was clear that it was a leucistic crow. This information made me vigilant and photographed on the 24th of April 2021. The crow was spotted a few more times in flock and solitude. The bird was feeding with normal house crows on leftover food, in the backyards. Unlike the total albinos, this guy has black or normally coloured bills and legs. Feathers of the rest of the parts have a mix of white and grey. The head, nape, throat and breast are grey while the feathers are dull white. The front part of the forehead, lores and bill’s posterior parts were brownish. The area of its habitat comes under municipality; semi-urban with mud houses, government quarters and large buildings. It feeds largely on refuse around human habitations.

 

The area has a nearby wetland, a dammed lake the Dalpat Sagar. Overall the area makes a suitable habitat for many of the bird species. One can spot both Jungle crows and house crows here and now even the white crow! Luckily my residence is located within the radius of the bird’s range thereby providing me and our family members the luxury of watching it closely frequently. Large trees serve as resting and perching spots for the bird. With careful listening it is possible to, distinguish the sound of leucistic crows from the normal crows; however, confirmation with proper sound recording devices is required.