A rare leucistic bald eagle drew attention in Stella last weekend after reports of a white eagle circulated through the southwest Missouri community.
Betty and Ron Daniel photographed the bird after hearing about the unusual sighting. The Missouri Department of Conservation shared the images on its Facebook page.
Leucism is a genetic condition that causes birds to lack melanin in their feathers, resulting in white or partially white plumage. Some birds display the condition completely, appearing entirely white, while others show white feathers only on specific areas like the tail or head.
The sighting comes during peak eagle-watching season in Missouri. The state hosts numerous eagle viewing opportunities from late December through early February as bald eagles migrate south for winter.
Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, located southwest of Columbia on Route K, ranks among the top viewing locations in mid-Missouri. Early morning hours offer the best chance to observe eagles perched in large trees along waterways or flying and fishing.
The Missouri Department of Conservation hosts Eagle Days events throughout the winter season. Additional premier viewing sites include Lock and Dam 24 at Clarksville, Smithville Lake north of Kansas City, and Table Rock Lake near Branson.