[Anomaly]

I've seen this bird around the feeder a few times over the last week and managed to grab this photo this morning. It usually is with a Fox Sparrow and I'm guessing that is what this is, only some kind of color mutation. This is in Vic West. I'm quite new to birding - does this kind of variation happen much?

[merlinator]

This bird would be classified as Leucistic.
Leucism /ˈljuːsɪzəm/[1] is a condition characterized by reduced pigmentation in animals caused by a recessive allele. Unlike albinism, it is caused by a reduction in all types of skin pigment, not just melanin. from wikipedia

As more and more eyes are on birds there seems to be more of this condition found, it's not uncommon.

[Anomaly]

Thanks for that information merlinator. Leucistic - a new word and concept for me.

[wendylou]

It is a cool looking bird regardless! Thanks for sharing.