Leucistic Adult Large Cactus-Finch (Geospiza conirostris) on Espaola Island, Galpagos: A Potential Continuation of Nestling Beak Color Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • We present the first detailed report of an apparently leucistic Darwin's Finch, observed on Punta Cevallos, Espaola Island, Galpagos (01 23.61S, 89 37.11W). 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.

published proceedings

  • The Wilson Journal of Ornithology

altmetric score

  • 2.35

author list (cited authors)

  • Grace, J. K., Tompkins, E. M., & Anderson, D. J.

citation count

  • 2

complete list of authors

  • Grace, Jacquelyn K||Tompkins, Emily M||Anderson, David J

publication date

  • January 2013