White kereru genetic mutation

An unusual-looking kereru, with white feathers on the top as well as the bottom, feeds at a Waitati Valley property yesterday.

Property owner Al Paterson said he was taking his dog for a run at the weekend when he noticed the ‘‘funny old thing’’ in a tree.

He mistook the bird for a large magpie at first, before realising it was a wood pigeon.

After seeing a picture of the bird, Project Kereru co-ordinator Nik Hurring said it was leucistic, meaning it could not produce pigment in certain areas of its body.

The genetic mutation was separate to albinism, which resulted in discolouration in the eyes and other body parts, as opposed to just the feathers.

Leucism was rare and could express itself in different ways, she said. Some birds looked washed out, while others had patches of pale or white feathers.