Birdcatcher spots are small white spots on the color of a pony. The veterinary term is spotted leukotrichia. They are no more than an inch in size and are randomly found on a pony's body. Birdcatchers are not appaloosa spots or related to them. Birdcatchers can randomly appear and fade through a pony's life. Birdcatcher spots are named after a Thoroughbred of that name which had them.
It's likely that most of the birdcatcher spots seen are the result of an autoimmune response/allergic reaction to bug bites. Not specifically genetic, but given that allergies can be inherited it gives the appearance of being genetic. This also explains why Birdcatchers can appear and disappear at random.
It's possible Birdcatcher spots could result from other issues such as scarring from topical infections or mineral deficiencies.
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Chestnut mare with birdcatcher spots on both sides. Mare developed the spots as an adult.
1994 photo courtesy of Kathy O'Dette. 2000 photo courtesy of Jaye Okolovitch. |
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Chestnut tobiano splashed white mare before birdcatcher spots appeared and after. The spots stayed to her death in 2022.
Thetis (Hot Air Balloon x Untouchable) Pedigree |
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Black tobiano mare before birdcatcher spots appeared and after. The spots stayed to her death in 2022.
Pixie Dust (Ace's Black Tie Affair x Angel Wings) Pedigree |
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Palomino splashed white mare with temporary birdcatcher spots. The spots appeared in her 20's and disappeared shortly after.
Misty's Heat Wave (Misty's SunPiper x Misty II) Pedigree |
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Chestnut with birdcatcher spots. She only had them for a brief period in 2004 before they disappeared.
Wild Island Orchid Pedigree Photo by Kelly Lidard. |
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Spots on a dark bay tobiano in 2005. It appears she had them for the last couple years of her life.
Island Belle Pedigree |