A Robin with a rare condition that means part of its red breast and other plumage are coloured white has become a regular visitor to a Co Tyrone garden.
The bird was first spotted before Christmas near Ballgawley and has made frequent visits to same spot over the last month.
The Robin has a condition called leucism, a plumage abnormality sometimes seen in birds, that is caused by an absence of feather pigment cells.
The condition can occur with all birds, with some being completely leucistic – their plumage is completely white – or partial, depending on whether they are missing all or just some of their feather pigment cells.
While relatively rare, it is one of the most commonly reported plumage abnormalities observed in birds.
The householder in Tyrone, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he felt privileged to have the “special bird” visit his garden.
“I feed the birds on an almost daily basis and have had many interesting visitors over the years but nothing quite like this,” he said.
“I don’t know if it’s regarded as a sign of good luck but I certainly feel lucky that it comes to see me regularly. He’s keen to feed and is tame but a brave little soul who’s not easily intimidated away by another very territorial Robin nearby.”
He told how he alerted Joseph Kelly, a 15-year-old from nearby Galbally, who’s a keen bird watcher.
“He almost immediately identified it as a ‘pied Robin’ and correctly said that it had a pigment problem similar to being an albino,” he said.
RSPB conservation advisor Jonathan Pinnick
According to RSPB conservation advisor Jonathan Pinnick, birds with plumage abnormalities such as leucism are often disadvantaged by their condition.
“It can send the wrong signals to normally plumaged individuals, causing difficulties with things like attracting a breeding partner or defending territory, and for smaller birds such as robins, it can make them more obvious to would-be predators,” he said.
The condition can also be passed on to the next generation.
“Leucism is a genetic mutation in the pigmentation of feathers, so individuals that manage to breed successfully can potentially pass on the trait to future generations, however, because it is a recessive mutation this rarely happens,” Mr Pinnick said.
One recent similar case was that of Vivienne, a leucistic female Red Kite.
“Vivienne hatched from a nest in the Dromara Hills in Co Down in 2018 – her unusual pale plumage made her easily recognisable and distinguishable from other Red Kites,” Mr Pinnick said.
“She was admired by birdwatchers, members of the local community and visitors, and was a regularly seen in the Dromara area. Sadly, she was found shot in late April 2024 and had to be euthanised due to the extent of her injuries.”