British Trust for Ornithology say it is unusual to see a bird with no colouring at all
22:21, 26 Aug 2025Updated 22:24, 26 Aug 2025
The super-rare bird was pictured in Stockbridge Village(Image: Submitted)
A rare white blackbird has been spotted in Stockbridge Village, drawing attention with its striking and unusual appearance. The bird’s distinctive coloration is caused by a rare genetic condition known as leucism.
A photo shared with the ECHO captures the solitary white bird perched atop a brick wall. Leucism is a genetic mutation that disrupts the normal pigment production in feathers, skin, or scales, resulting in animals that appear white or have unusually pale, patchy colouring.
Unlike albinism, leucism does not affect the eyes, which maintain their natural colour.
While visually stunning, leucistic birds often face significant challenges in the wild. Their pale plumage makes them more visible to predators, reducing their chances of survival.
Additionally, leucistic animals may experience weaker feathers and difficulties in attracting mates.
According to the British Trust for Ornithology, only one or two pure albino blackbirds are reported each year.
Pure albinos, which occur when melanin is completely absent, are all-white birds with pink eyes.
Unfortunately, these rare birds have a low survival rate due to issues such as poor eyesight.
Despite these challenges, sightings like this serve as a captivating reminder of nature’s unpredictability.
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