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Leucism in Bald Eagles You have probably never heard of the condition leucism, but you likely have heard of its close cousin, albinism. An albino animal has a rare genetic mutation which prevents its skin from producing melanin. This deficiency results in a paleness and lack of coloring on skin, hair, and feathers. Leucism is another genetic condition which is very closely related to albinism. Leucism causes an absence of all skin pigments, not just melanin. Leucism is caused by …