Leucistic Adult Large Cactus-Finch (Geospiza conirostris) on Española Island, Galápagos: A Potential Continuation of Nestling Beak Color

Jacquelyn K. Grace; Emily M. Tompkins; David J. Anderson

doi:10.1676/12-093.1

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Jacquelyn K. Grace,^1,* Emily M. Tompkins,¹ David J. Anderson¹

¹1 Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27109, USA

^*Corresponding author; e-mail: gracjk7@wfu.edu

Abstract

We present the first detailed report of an apparently leucistic Darwin's Finch, observed on Punta Cevallos, Española Island, Galápagos (01° 23.61′ S, 89° 37.11′ W). We suggest that the unusual adult phenotype is a continuation of nestling beak color, which is usually masked by melanin in adults. Tissue-specific differences in beta-carotene dioxygenase 2 enzyme activity may explain the variation in yellow pigmentation in this individual's legs and beak.

2013 by the Wilson Ornithological Society

Citation Download Citation

Jacquelyn K. Grace, Emily M. Tompkins, and David J. Anderson "Leucistic Adult Large Cactus-Finch (Geospiza conirostris) on Española Island, Galápagos: A Potential Continuation of Nestling Beak Color," The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 125(1), 201-204, (1 March 2013). https://doi.org/10.1676/12-093.1

Received: 31 May 2012; Accepted: 1 September 2012; Published: 1 March 2013

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