Published: 4 Aug 2014 09:00
A RARE albino blackbird has been spotted in Tranent, much to the amazement of local residents.
The bird, which is completely white, was captured on camera by Gary Blyth as it visited his parents’ garden in the town.
A spokesperson for RSPB Scotland said recorded sightings of albino blackbirds were rare, especially as their striking colour makes them more vulnerable to predators.
A spokesperson for the RSPB said: “Only a tiny proportion of the species have this condition and those that do rarely survive for very long.
“As albinism is a recessive characteristic, it only shows up when a bird inherits the albino gene from both parents. There are different degrees of albinism, ranging from all white to only a few white feathers on an otherwise normal-coloured bird.”
Gary said: “It has been around for a few weeks appearing in and around my parents’ garden.
“The last one I heard about was in Northumberland and had some black spots.”
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