A rare leucistic ruby-throated hummingbird was spotted by Granby resident Denise Canora in her expansive flower garden, which is frequented by a steady flight of birds, butterflies and other pollinators. This leucistic was particularly attracted to the flourishing bright red bee balm, a hummingbird favorite. Hoping to document the sighting, Canora invited local photographer Don Shaw Jr. to capture a few good images to share.
A leucistic ruby-throated hummingbird is a rare sight, characterized by white or pale-colored feathers due to a genetic mutation affecting pigment distribution. It is estimated that only 1 in every 1,000 hummingbirds in North America is leucistic. Rarer still are albino hummingbirds, which lack melanin entirely and have pink eyes, beak, and feet.