American Robin
Aberrant Plumages

Albino

Note pink eye, legs and bill with pure white plumage. 

Leucistic

Perhaps rare in birds? Although traditionally used to describe most non-albino plumage aberrations involving white or dilute feathers. More specific breakdowns are shown below. No definitive leucistic AMRO were located when preparing this page, but please let us know if you have any candidates!

Brown / Aeumelanism

Generally the feathers are not producing pigment leading to a pale whitish plumage, often with a fawn/brown or grayish wash to some or all feathers. May bleach paler quickly after molt, appearing nearly white. Pare parts (eyes, bill, legs, etc.) are only somewhat affected. The "Ino" mutation (not shown) has a similar appearance in the feathers but further affects bare part colouration. 

Progressive Greying

Gradual and variable acquisition of white feathers on an otherwise normal bird. Bill and legs may turn pink as well. White advances with time, and may occur most frequently on older birds. 

Progressive Greying (Hereditary)

This young AMRO may be leucistic or have a heridetary form of progressive graying, leading to the appearance of scattered white feathers not long after birth. 

Dilution (Pastel) 

Pastel dilution involves birds with an overall pale plumage affecting all feather pigment types. Bare parts are often unaffected. 

Dilution (Isabel) 

Dark feather pigments are affected, yet brighter or colourful pigments remain. 

Dilution (Other)

In these examples, dark pigments are unaffected yet the mechanisim which produces the brighter/orange pigment has failed. 

No melanistic or oiled/stained examples were located at the time of preparation; however, please let us know if you are aware of any! 

It's also worth noting that any of these plumage aberrations can appear with others (i.e., progressive greying with dilution), leading to more unique appearances.