A different looking Junco

[MARINERMAGNUM]

I have included 3 images of this strange looking Junco who has been at our feeder for a few weeks.

Note:these were shot out of a foggy window-I should have cleaned the window,but he never hangs around very long.

This image shows him with 2 other Juncos. It also shows my feeder I built out of scrap lumber after I did my new shop. The feeder has 3 sections,each hold a little over a buschel.

He seems to have trouble with his left foot/leg.

A Finch checking him out.

The other Juncos seem to beat the tar out of him whenever he shows up.

[Todd Caswell]

Is that thisle on the right? If it is what did you use for the netting or screen? Could you show a full view shot of you feeder please?

[ShawnZ]

Cool looking bird! Nice job paying close attention and recongizing something different. Two possibilities come to mind.

First, and most likely (?), the bird is exhibiting some partial albinism or leucistic features. Second, and even more intriguing, but less likely, the bird is a dark eyed junco/white throated sparrow hybrid. These two species have been known to interbreed. The throat patch so closely resembles a throat patch that one might see on a gray morph white throated sparrow that I thought I would throw it out there. Others, please weigh in

[Steve Foss]

Shawn, I agree with your assessment of most likely/least likely.

Nice feeder setup, MM!

[thedeadsea]

Nice feeder setup, MM!

I agree. That would keep the deer out it quite well!

[Birdsong]

Thanks for posting these. It will be interesting to see what the consensus is. Did your feeder keep the seed relatively dry, too? I went out yesterday to clear things off once again and discovered one feeder was just a giant black oil freezy pop. Needless to say the feeders all came in for a thaw, a wash and fresh food. Think I'll walk downtown and see about replacing the popsicle feeder.