Additional records of aberrant plumage coloration of the groove-billed ani (crotophaga sulcirostris)

Abstract

Chromatic aberrations have previously been reported for the normally entirely black Groove-billed Ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris). Here, we present three additional observations of the occurrence of chromatic aberrations in this species, in the southwest of Ecuador. In May 2016, we observed two birds with a nearly entirely white coloration, except for a few small black spots, and one pied-colored bird, with a mix of white and black coloration on all main body parts. Most likely, these chromatic aberrations are cases of progressive greying. Future studies should determine whether multiple individuals with chromatic aberration in the same place are a coincidence or due to other reasons.