Leucistic Anna's hummingbird in the Australia Garden, UCSC Arboretum, Santa Cruz, California
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Stop, it's hummer time!. Leucistic Anna's Hummingbird, California, USA
Ever tried birdwatching? Go and get your binoculars and head to a local park. There are approximately 18,000 known species of birds around the world. Birds come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, colours and behaviours, making them one of the most diverse groups of animals on Earth—from imposing eagles to today's tiny snowy-winged star, a leucistic Anna's Hummingbird. These hummingbirds are typically vibrant in colour, but leucism means that they have decreased pigmentation, resulting in a paler appearance. Unlike albino birds, these hummingbirds retain some colour in their eyes. Their lighter plumage reduces protective camouflage, making them more vulnerable to predators such as hawks and feral cats. Look around, you might spot one!
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