1st May
A RARE
albino sparrow has been spotted in a Herefordshire garden.
The
unusual visitor was captured on camera by Bircher resident, Lindsay Muir.
After
first making an appearance yesterday, the bold little sparrow again joined her
regular garden visitors at the bird feeder this morning.
Photographer
Lindsay said that although it appeared to be alone rather than with a colony of
sparrows, it was not worried by the other birds in her garden.
Albinism
occurs in many species, including humans, and is caused where there is a total
lack of melanin produced.
The dark
pigment is responsible for normal colouration in skin, scales, eyes and hair.
The
genetic condition is characterised in birds by white feathers and pink or red
eyes.
Sadly,
the RSPB says, the rare and beautiful creatures tend to be weaker and have
poorer eyesight than their pigmented relatives and do not often survive to
adulthood.
Their
lack of colour also makes them more prone to predation, as they are much more
easily spotted.
No comments:
Post a Comment