FOUR CASES OF DIFFERENT PLUMAGE CHROMATIC ABERRATIONS IN GALAPAGOS BIRDS

Abstract

Plumage chromatic aberrations usually represent a problem for field ornithologists. Chromatic aberrations are originated by genetic mutations that result in a pigment deficiency, drastically altering the typical colour of individuals, and can vary both within and between species. Here, we present four different colour aberrations in four bird species native and endemic to the Galapagos Islands: Lava Gull Leucophaeus fuliginosus, Brown Noddy Anous stolidus, Floreana Mockingbird Mimus trifasciatus, and Small Ground Finch Geospiza fuliginosa. These records expand taxonomically the occurrence of chromatic aberrations on Ecuadorian birds and in the Galapagos archipelago.