A rare albino blackbird has been spotted in Hatherleigh, North Devon.
The 'white blackbird' was discovered by Devon Wildlife Trust's Jo Pullin in her back
garden. Jo, who has worked for the conservation charity for 14 years, picks up the
story:
"My children and I spotted something unusual in the undergrowth at the edge of our
garden. We went to investigate and soon discovered it was a white blackbird. It
looked like it had only just recently left the nest."
"I've seen birds with odd colouring before, but never a completely white blackbird.
It really stood out and looked very vulnerable."
Albinism in birds is not unusual. It is caused when the normal pigmentation of
feathers is missing. However, in most cases birds show patches of white feathers or
dull colouring. This partial albinism, as it is called, is relatively common. But
what was rare about the case of the Hatherleigh blackbird was that it lacked all
colour, even in its eyes. It belonged to a condition which is much more unusual and
is known as being a true albino.
The story of the white blackbird may not have ended well. Its unusual looks may
have meant it lived a short life.
Steve Hussey from Devon Wildlife Trust commented
on its likely fate:
"Being pure white isn't a great survival strategy for a blackbird, particularly as a
fledgling. When you've just left the nest you want to be as inconspicuous as
possible to avoid the predatory eyes of cats and sparrowhawks. Added to this, part
of the condition of albinos often means they have poor or little eyesight. I fear
that this little chap's life was probably a very brief one."
Jo Pullin seemed to confirm this distinctly off-colour prediction for the white
blackbird. Jo said:
"We looked for the blackbird the next day but couldn't see it anywhere."
Spring is the time when many people find baby birds in their gardens. Despite their
vulnerability the advice of Devon Wildlife Trust is to leave them well alone, while
keeping pet cats and dogs away.
