Yesterday (6/23/2007) I led a bird walk at the Cincinnati Nature Center (Rowe Woods) from 8 am-10 am. Eight other observers were present as we hiked the lookout trail. Among the 33 species found was a most unusually plumaged male scarlet tanager. This bird was singing a typical scarlet tanager song but upon sighting the bird I was dumbfounded at what I saw. As seen from below, I describe this bird as follows: complete pale yellow head diffused into a pure white breast and belly. I also noted a red rump when the bird turned. The wings and tail were typical black. I did not suspect this bird to be a hybrid of any sort (but the most likely candidate would be western). Although in my thirty years of observing birds I have seen the orange variant male scarlets and molting individuals in the fall, I have never seen a plumage such as the one described above.  Immature male scarlet tanagers should not show white in the underparts. This could be  attributed to leucism. Unfortunately we did not carry a camera into the field (and the bird did not provide adequate photo opportunities anyway). Not all members of the group were able to see it as the bird flew before we could study it further.

Thoughts or comments about this individual greatly appreciated off list.

Thanks,

David

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David A. Brinkman
1631 Kellywood Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45238-4011
(513) 675-8665 (Cell)
* Please note new e-mail address.

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