First Report of partial leucism in the spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis) from Ghodazari Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandrapur, Maharashtra

A rare plumage anomaly known as leucism is characterized by a partial or whole loss of pigmentation while maintaining normal eye color. The first documented sighting of a leucistic Spotted Dove in Ghodazari Wildlife Sanctuary is described in this publication. The observation was made in the mixed deciduous woodland habitat of the sanctuary during a normal avifaunal survey. The individual's trademark black-and-white spotted collar was still present, but in a fading form, and its distinctive pale whiteness plumage replaced the usual brown and pinkish hues. The leucistic dove behaved normally, vigorously feeding and engaging with conspecifics, suggesting that it was not immediately at a disadvantage in terms of social integration or survival. Even though they are uncommon, these events are important because they help us understand genetic diversity, ecological adaptability, and population health in bird species. This report underscores the significance of on-going field monitoring in biodiversity-rich regions like Ghodazari and contributes to the scant documentation of leucism in wild Columbidae. The discovery also highlights how protected areas support unusual genetic variants in addition to common species. To determine the frequency and ecological consequences of such anomalies in the avifauna of the area, further systematic monitoring is advised.