Ultra Rare, or mutnat?

My guess is mutant, but what do you think...

This bird was flying in loose formation with Turkey Vultures, obviously the coloring is all wrong for a turkey vulture. I thought maybe a juv bald eagle.

Photo was taken in Chardon, OH if it helps. And yes, the photo is not a keeper, but it is such a head scratcher for me that I had to shoot it and see if I could figure it out.

It looks like a 3rd year immature Bald Eagle.

It's fairly certain that it's a leucistic Turkey Vulture.

Greg Mack wrote in post #16350090
It's fairly certain that it's a leucistic Turkey Vulture.

I did not know such a thing existed. However, google searching on that does pull up creatures similar in look. I would say your right.

Thanks! So it looks like mutant was the answer to the question.

boufa wrote in post #16350168
I did not know such a thing existed. However, google searching on that does pull up creatures similar in look. I would say your right.

Thanks! So it looks like mutant was the answer to the question.

It's a mutation that can affect pretty much any kind of animal. Go to Google Images and enter "leucistic" in the search box. There are pictures of some amazing looking creatures. In most cases an all white or mostly white animal will be less camouflaged than its naturally colored counterpart, and hence more visible. Obviously that can make it an easier target for predators. Consequently the few that are affected by it are probably prone to shorter lifespans.

Greg Mack wrote in post #16350090
It's fairly certain that it's a leucistic Turkey Vulture.

I would say the same, much like a rth around here.

I'll have to agree with Mike and say it's about a 3rd year old immature Bald Eagle.

Leaning more towards an eagle too. If the yellow part is assumed to be the whole head there is too wide of a "neck" for it to be a vulture. I think the "head" is just the beak and we're looking at an immature baldie.

Eagle feather colors vary as they age. I've seen quite a few 2nd and 3rd year birds with a lot of white on their under parts like this one in the photo. By the way if you haven't guessed...my thoughts are this is an eagle not a Turkey Vulture...the head angle and light makes the head look red like a vulture.

Duane N wrote in post #16353900
Eagle feather colors vary as they age. I've seen quite a few 2nd and 3rd year birds with a lot of white on their under parts like this one in the photo. By the way if you haven't guessed...my thoughts are this is an eagle not a Turkey Vulture...the head angle and light makes the head look red like a vulture.

It looks like big, yellow feet are visible too-and the wing shape doesn't look right for a vulture.

Shackleton wrote in post #16354310
It looks like big, yellow feet are visible too-and the wing shape doesn't look right for a vulture.

Good point...I didn't even notice the clown shoes it was wearing.

Shackleton wrote in post #16354310
It looks like big, yellow feet are visible too-and the wing shape doesn't look right for a vulture.

Me too. I was thinking the wing shape doesn't match a vulture. Plus the fact that it was said to be only 'loosely' in formation with the vultures, could indicate a different species.

Yep. It was riding the same thermals, higher than the vultures. I'll check some of the other shots for the items you guys pointed out.

I am glad it hasn't been an easy id. The descriptions of your reasoning has been educational.

I'd be relying on behavior for the ID at this point as well.

I can't see enough to detail to make out talons, don't know how you guys are doing that.

The other 2 photos of the bird... I did nothing but crop out the extra blue sky... they are fairly aggressive crops. No other editing at all, so very noisy. (Don't judge me it was a shot of opportunity, not planning :rolleyes

In the second image, I can sort of see the beak thing, and definitely think I can see the yellow "clown" feet.