A successfully breeding, partially leucistic American Robin (Turdus migratorius)

Authors

  • Nina M. Zitani Western University
  • Leanne A. Grieves Western University
  • R. Greg Thorn Western University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v133i4.2141

Keywords:

Ornithology, colouration, leucism, sexual selection, fitness, breeding, American Robin, Turdus migratorius

Abstract

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is the most abundant and broadly distributed thrush in North America. Both sexes likely engage in mate choice, and there is some evidence of assortative mating based on breast colour in this species. Over two breeding seasons, we documented a case of partial leucism, primarily of the breast feathers, in a male American Robin in London, Ontario, Canada. We report evidence that the leucistic robin was capable of successful breeding. How the fitness of leucistic versus normal robins compares and how leucism influences mate choice in this and other species remain to be explored.

Author Biographies

Nina M. Zitani, Western University

Department of Biology

Curator, Zoological Collections and Assistant Professor

Leanne A. Grieves, Western University

Department of Biology

PhD Candidate

R. Greg Thorn, Western University

Department of Biology

Associate Professor

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Published

2020-05-08

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