First record of leucism in brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) in Costa Rica

Authors

  • Roberto Vargas-Masís Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica
  • Pilar Arguedas-Rodríguez Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15359/revmar.6.10

Keywords:

Leucism, brown pelican, plumage, albinism, Costa Rica

Abstract

Leucism in birds is rarely observed in the Pelecaniformes order and has not been recorded for the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) in Costa Rica. We describe an observation of a leucistic brown pelican with white plumage, pink coloration on the bill and feet, but normal color on the eyes. Leucism in birds is the most frequently reported color aberration and these cases present low survival rates for individuals.
Although isolated cases occur in birds, these reports help determine the frequency of these events for specific bird populations and species.

Author Biographies

Roberto Vargas-Masís, Universidad Nacional

Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Heredia.

Universidad Estatal a Distancia, Vicerrectoría de Investigación, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, San José

Pilar Arguedas-Rodríguez, Universidad Nacional

Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Heredia.

Instituto Costarricense de Pesca y Acuicultura, Puntarenas.

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Published

2014-10-18

How to Cite

Vargas-Masís, R., & Arguedas-Rodríguez, P. (2014). First record of leucism in brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) in Costa Rica. Revista Ciencias Marinas Y Costeras, 6, 149-154. https://doi.org/10.15359/revmar.6.10

Issue

Section

Scientific articles

How to Cite

Vargas-Masís, R., & Arguedas-Rodríguez, P. (2014). First record of leucism in brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) in Costa Rica. Revista Ciencias Marinas Y Costeras, 6, 149-154. https://doi.org/10.15359/revmar.6.10

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