Leuco-Genetic Red Tailed Hawk by CavalierLady
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
This is a Red Tailed Hawk.
It is ~not~ an albino.
It has the genetic mutation called leucism.
Note that this bird has normal eyes, a normal beak, and normal feet. They are not pink or pinkish red like true albinos. Leucistic birds have this particular genetic mutation and lack the pigmentation produced by melanin. But unlike true albinos that lack melanin and all pigment, these birds' pigment is very diluted. It can manifest itself in any spectrum of color, from nearly all white, to patches or blotches of white feathers to just a single white feather. This coloration, while beautiful to us, marks it as different, and places it at a disadvantage. It attracts larger and fiercer raptors, and can be harangued purely because of its appearance. It is very rare to see one of these in the wild.
Thanks very kindly for your views. :)...Maria

Comments (44)
Clean crisp focus. What an impressive bird with this mutation. Be nice to see one here too. Good work.
Excellent capture, wonderful sharpness & detail Stuart
Beautiful specimen!
Fantastic, Maria! Love it - the clarity and pose AND your info! Look at my avatar! Today's salute is there only for you!
What an amazing bird. Such great beauty. Wonderful capture.
All you artwork is Beautiful!! Fantastic Photography!!!. Excellent!Congratulations!!
Awesome Shot!!!! =0)
Very majestic image, I really want a camera so I can try to make those kind of shots.
Wow! I have never seen or heard of one of these around my neck of the woods. Though I did have a normal red tail hawk come and visit my yard a week or two ago.
I've never seen a white one before either. Too bad it makes it an easy target for other predators.
An excellent photo of an extremely beautiful bird.
Awsome!!!
wow love the color and pov here
SPEECHLESS... (In the video for sure) :)