ANDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — A white feathered turkey was spotted in Anderson County on Monday by a viewer who reached out to WBIR, but this isn't as uncommon as some may think.
According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, abnormal plumages are "one of the most perplexing issues that a bird watcher can face." Many people see white birds that are not normally white and call them albinos, TWRA said.
"In only a few cases is this technically true!" according to TWRA.
Albinism is a genetic mutation that prevents the production of melanin, including feathers, eyes and non-feathered parts of the bird.
"The majority of abnormally plumaged birds are leucistic," TWRA said. "Leucism is a mutation that prevents proper pigment development in feathers. Many times, observers see birds with patches of white, those that are pale, or birds that are 'pied.' These birds are generally considered leucistic since there is melanin in their bodies."
Albino birds will usually have pink eyes and legs in addition to white feathers, TWRA said.
