Aberrations in plumage coloration in birds

Plumage aberrations are not uncommon in birds, but there is some confusion in the literature, especially in relation to albinos. Plumage aberrations in birds are better known in Europe and North America than in Australia, where, however, several reports have been published recently. In this paper, we review the various types and causes of plumage aberrations, focussing on those that arise from abnormal incorporation of pigments in growing feathers and thus result in aberrant coloration of the plumage