lewis20126
Well-known member
As Willow Tits in Britain become isolated in small regional pockets, there seems to be an increasing occurrence of white feathers in the head, wings and tail. Friends have noticed this is West Norfolk and Yorkshire in the past year. This must be due to inbreeding. Does anyone know if anyone is collecting data on this nationally or researching this effect in isolated bird populations?
The phenomenon is well known in the isolated population of White-winged Wood Duck in Sumatra and with Edward's Pheasant in Vietnam and I'm sure there are other less exotic examples.
In respect of the Willow Tits it is possible that some transfers of birds between populations might be useful, although the species looks highly likely to become extinct within the next couple of decades anyway.
cheers, alan
The phenomenon is well known in the isolated population of White-winged Wood Duck in Sumatra and with Edward's Pheasant in Vietnam and I'm sure there are other less exotic examples.
In respect of the Willow Tits it is possible that some transfers of birds between populations might be useful, although the species looks highly likely to become extinct within the next couple of decades anyway.
cheers, alan