An Albinistic Marbled Godwit: A First Record

Abstract

Albinism occurs infrequently in the family Scolopacidae as compared to other avian families (Sage 1963, Gross 1965). There are apparently no previous records of albinism for the Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa) (Ross 1963), although there is one record each for the Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica) (Deanne 1880), and the Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (Sage 1962). At 15:30 on 9 February 1974 on the east shore of Drake Estero, Point Reyes National Seashore, Inverness, California, I spent approximately 15 min observing an albinistic Marbled Godwit foraging on mudflats among a relatively large flock of godwits. Observations were made from a distance of about 30 m with a 15-60x zoom telescope. There were no clouds or wind, and glare was minimal. A description follows: Bill-flesh colored with black tip, apparently normal; Irides-black, apparently normal; Legs-dark or black, apparently normal; Body and head-entirely or almost entirely diluted to white on all parts except axillae and wing linings, which were heavily tinged cinnamon. The back and the wing coverts retained a distinct pattern of dusky, transverse barring. A less distinct pattern of faint barring was present ventrally on the rectrices. The coloration of this individual seems to have resulted from extreme dilution of the rufous-brown, and cinnamon pigmentation in most of the plumage and should therefore be considered as a case of imperfect albinism (Pettingill 1956).