A Record of Partial Leucism in Jungle Babbler (Turdoides striatus) from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India: Field Observation and Review of Plumage Pigmentation Anomalies

This report documents a field observation of a partially leucistic Jungle Babbler in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India, along with photographic evidence. This study tends to provide a comprehensive review of avian plumage pigmentation and classification of colour aberrations. On 22nd December 2023, a partial leucistic babbler was observed (Turdoides striatus) at Khitauli Zone (core zone) of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh, marking the unusual record in the region. The bird was identified based on atypical morphological features, was photographed and compared with typical morphological characteristics for confirmation. This sighting indicates certain genetic and/or environmental alterations in the bird/area respectively. The analysis explored the ecological and evolutionary implications of leucism. By collating with existing knowledge and new finding, this report demonstrates how citizen science contributions, when supported by expert analysis, can lead to meaningful scientific inquiry and a deeper understanding of biodiversity.