Karingali Puncha is a vast wetland spread over the districts of Pathanamthitta and Alapuzha. This wetland is considered as a one of the best birding spots of these districts. Over 130 bird species have been reported from this hotspot, including residents and migrants (https://ebird.org/india/hotspot/L4078824).  On 27 Dec 2017, around 5:00 pm, as I was doing my evening bird walk at the Cherikal side of this wetland, I noticed flocks of Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, Lesser Whistling Ducks Dendrocygna javanica and Indian Spot-billed Ducks Anas poecilorhyncha feeding. Suddenly an unusual white duck caught my attention. I first thought it was a domestic duck. Once I could move closer, I took some photographs of the duck. On examining the photographs closely, I could clearly see the typical yellow tipped black bill with red basal spots, the diagnostic feature of Spot-billed Duck. Then I realized it was a Leucistic Spot-billed Duck . The bird was seen feeding separately, away from the other bird flocks. I stayed around for 15 minutes watching the bird and tried to move closer to get some close up pictures. Once the bird noticed my movements, it flew away.

Leucism is an abnormal plumage condition, caused by loss of feather pigment making the plumage look pale but normal body colours are retained. This is different from true albinism in which pigment is absent throughout the body, resulting in red eyes and pale pink legs and bill, in addition to pale plumage (Campbell & Lack, 1985).

Reference

• Campbell B. & Lack, E (eds). 1985. A Dictionary of Birds. Calton (Poyser) and Vermillion (Buteo).