Rare White Heron Sighted on Jeju Coast, Believed to Exhibit 'Leucism'

A heron with feathers turned white due to partial pigmentation loss has been spotted in Jeju.

According to Oh Seung-mok, director of Docu Jeju, on September 4, a single white heron was observed on the coast of Haengwon-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju City, at 5 p.m. the previous day.

This individual is presumed to be a heron with leucism, a condition where feathers and skin appear white due to a partial deficiency of pigment cells caused by a genetic mutation.

Director Oh stated, "This individual, which appears to be a juvenile hatched this year, shows a distinct color difference compared to other young birds hatched in the same year," adding that "it is rare to witness a heron with leucism."

Herons, which are large waterbirds, typically feature gray backs and bodies, white heads, and a black stripe extending like a crest from their eyes to the back of their heads.

Juveniles do not have developed crests.
(Photo courtesy of Docu Jeju, Yonhap News)
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