Rare Albino Sparrow Spotted In Australia, Ornithologists Surprised

A rare pure white sparrow was photographed at Sanctuary Lakes near Melbourne, Australia, leaving ornithologists all but surprised. Such an albino sparrow is not expected to survive for a long time since its snow white appearance makes it stand out to birds who prey on them. A birdwatcher and an environmental educator, Bob Winters, was the first to capture the bird after he was alerted of its presence by one of his friends. It was an ecstatic moment for him since he had never seen an albino bird in his 45 years of bird watching. According to him, photographing the rare bird was not an easy task. He says, “It’s a very nervous animal, understandably, so I had to try for quite a few days to get some photos."

He also added that such pure white sparrows were sighted globally but very rarely, only "once in a blue moon.” Media reports from Australia claim that one such sighting was reported in Britain in 2010.The locals have nicknamed the bird as “Little White Angel” and are taking care of it by putting out food and keeping a watchful eye for any cats.

According to Winters's judgement, the bird's age is about six or seven months. He feels that it’s an achievement in itself since it lacks the ability to camouflage being a genetic mutation. He adds, “This bird has got so many disadvantages. They usually get kicked out of the nest because they're different and it has fragile feathers that make it quite difficult to fly. Probably no-one wants to breed with it, and its easy pickings for a bird of prey."

Winters says that the white sparrow which must have been born in Sanctuary Lakes, a home to about 117 bird species, has inherited the recessive albino gene from both parents. It has affected the pigments and thus shows no colour. It has pale pink or reddish eyes, legs, feet and a pale bill. It is impossible for him to tell whether the bird is a male or a female since it has no markings. Although the “Little White Angel” is vulnerable to attacks from birds of prey, Winters opined that it is better off living out its life naturally, away from captivity.

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