Any ideas what this is?

[Rex]

Any ideas what this is, its been around our garden for a few days apparently.
The white feather in the tail is not matched on the other side so is presumably an abnormality.

[rolf]

Hi Rex, welcome to the forum.

It's a Blackbird (a young one I would guess), partially leucistic, seem to be a few of them around this year.

There are a couple of threads with instances.

http://www.thamesvalleybirds.co.uk/b...ight=leucistic
http://www.thamesvalleybirds.co.uk/b...ight=leucistic
http://www.thamesvalleybirds.co.uk/b...lack-bird.html

[Chocky]

Hi Rex. Welcome to the forum .
I have to agree with Rolf here partially Leucistic Blackbird. We have several around Exmouth too

[Rex]

Thanks for the reply, I thought it must be a blackbird. whats leucistic? is it like a albinism?

[Chocky]

It's a condition like albinism

Leucism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[rolf]

There is a difference, most noticeable being the eyes on Leucistic birds and animals are not red, Albinism is the result of a lack of Melanin, whereas Leucism is a reduction of all pigmentation.

[barnowl]

I am lucky to have a leusistic one here and almost the whole head is white, i will try to post a pic but be warned the camera i have is useless even though the bird is only about 15 feet away, you have to really look hard , sorry but its the best i can do.
regards owl.

[rolf]

LOL, no problem, as long as it serves its purpose.