One expert says he hasn't seen
anything like it in 60 years
11:22, 2 NOV 2018
Bird-watchers are flocking to a
field to try and catch a glimpse of a rare albino pheasant.
Footage has emerged of the bird
that would typically be covered with brown feathers - but has no colour to a
rare genetic mutation.
The pheasant, spotted in a field
near Yelmpton, Devon, can be seen scurrying along before darting for the woods.
It was captured on camera by BBC
journalist Jonathan Morris and its siting has been heralded by experts.
A video grab of the moment that a
rare albino pheasant was spotted in a field near Yelmpton
Devon ornithologist Rodney Bone,
who started bird watching nearly 60 years ago, said: "I've never seen an
albino pheasant in all those years.
"It would be quite a treat
to see one and for anyone interested in birds, so I hope it comes my way."
Rufus Sage, head of lowland
gamebird research at the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust said it was a
very rare sighting.
He added: "It's an albino
pheasant, a fairly rare genetic mutation or phenotype whereby the body can't
make colour.
"It can occur in lots of
animals including humans of course.
"Interestingly the male will
keep its red wattles and you can sort of see that."
David George of the National
Farmers Union, said: "It seems appropriate that this rather unusual,
spectre-like pheasant has put in an appearance around Halloween.
"Hopefully it hasn't given
anyone too much of a fright."
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