White magpie!

werdnal · #1 (**permalink**) 29-08-2011, 06:29 PM

Out on a family cycle ride on a cycle track near Redruth today, and caught sight of a white bird on the track a few hundred yards ahead. Just assumed it was a domestic white pigeon at first, but on approaching it flew onto the fence, and turned to reveal a long tail. It was a magpie, not true albino as it had a few dark patches, but majority was white. It flew off along with a normal coloured magpie, and disappeared into some nearby woodland. Sadly, although we hung around for about 10 minutes, and looked out for it on the way back, it didn't show again. Really pretty graceful bird though, especially in flight.

~T~ · #2 (**permalink**) 30-08-2011, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by werdnal

Out on a family cycle ride on a cycle track near Redruth today, and caught sight of a white bird on the track a few hundred yards ahead. Just assumed it was a domestic white pigeon at first, but on approaching it flew onto the fence, and turned to reveal a long tail. It was a magpie, not true albino as it had a few dark patches, but majority was white. It flew off along with a normal coloured magpie, and disappeared into some nearby woodland. Sadly, although we hung around for about 10 minutes, and looked out for it on the way back, it didn't show again. Really pretty graceful bird though, especially in flight.

Wow that sounds like quite a sight

The Owl man · #3 (**permalink**) 31-08-2011, 01:19 PM

In my sanctuary,at the present time, I have a Carrion Crow who sports white feathers. It is a common phenomina amongst the crow family and although true albinos are are somewhat rarer it is a regular occurance.