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Plumage variation in a Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (1 Viewer)

Bandicootofnote

New member
Hi everyone,

This is not strictly an identification question but more a question of what type of plumage variation this bird has (see the attachments). The bird is a Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill and was photographed in Borakalalo Game Reserve, North West Province, South Africa on the 8 May 2010.
This metallic green colouration extends from the upper coverts all the way down to the primaries. The flanks, belly and vent had a light green hue.
From the research I have done and feedback I have received from local ornithologists this is possibly a form of schizochroism but no-one is 100% certain what exactly this is.
I would be really interested to hear your views and thoughts on this bird.

Thanks
Andrew
 

Attachments

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