Rare White Heron Spotted in Jeju, Showing a Genetic Color Mutation

A striking white heron has been spotted along the coast of Jeju, apparently bearing a rare genetic variation known as leucism.

Oh Seung-mok, a documentary director, observed the bird at about 5 p.m. on the 3rd in Haengwon-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju City. The bird is believed to have partial deficiencies of pigment cells in its feathers and skin because of a genetic mutation.

Wild sightings of leucistic gray herons are rare. Oh said the bird appeared to have been born this year, and that its coloring was clearly different from other young herons born during the same period.

Gray herons are large birds that live near water. Adults generally have gray bodies, white crowns, black coloring from above the eyes to the back of the head, and two or three black crest feathers. Young birds do not yet have fully developed crests. Herons live in groups at Daryeodo off Bukchon-ri in Jocheon-eup and along the coast of Saekdal-dong in Seogwipo.

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This individual appears to be a young heron born this year, and compared with other young individuals born in the same year, it shows a clearly noticeable difference in color.