01/25/2026
That’s a leucistic bald eagle (pronounced loo-SIS-tick). Leucism is a rare genetic condition that reduces pigmentation, causing white or pale feathers, but unlike albinism it doesn’t affect the eyes or vision. These birds still have normal eye color, normal eyesight, and no known health or survival problems tied to the condition, it’s basically a cosmetic mutation. Leucistic bald eagles are extremely rare, and many get mistaken for albinos even though true albino bald eagles are almost unheard of.
— Stephen Ziegler
Outdoor writer | Owner, DeLong Lures
