Unusual wildlife in the Mount Royal Cemetery

During my frequent trips to the Mount Royal Cemetery to photograph the wildlife, I have come across some very unusual creatures.  These are all examples of atypical colouration of familiar species of birds and mammals.


Squirrels:

Mottled gray and white Squirrel

White/blond Squirrel

Squirrel with striped underside

Reddish brown Squirrel

Normal Gray Squirrel (for comparison)

Groundhog (Woodchuck):

Black Groundhog

Normal Groundhog (for comparison)

Raccoon:

Maskless Raccoon

Normal Raccoon (for comparison)

Birds (leucistic):

Robin (leucistic)

Normal Robin (for comparison)

White-throated Sparrow (leucistic)

Normal White-throated Sparrow (for comparison)

Leucism in Animals

I've come across some interesting creatures while out with my camera!  

In the process I have learned of a term called "leucism".  Wikipedia describes it as follows: "Leucism is a condition in which there is partial loss of pigmentation in an animal resulting in white, pale, or patchy coloration of the skin, hair, feathers, scales or cuticle, but not the eyes.  Unlike albinism, it is caused by a reduction in multiple types of pigment, not just melanin."

More about leucistic birds can be learned at this site:

http://www.sibleyguides.com/2011/08/abnormal-coloration-in-birds-melanin-reduction/

Here are my photos of birds (with a couple of mammals thrown in at the end).

American Robin

Canada Goose

Slate-coloured Junco

Gray Squirrel

Raccoon