A bird with unique plumage is exciting to see, but how Rare is an albino or leucistic robin? Our experts share information about the White Robin. Albino and Leucistic Robins Bird Rare? Not So Uncommon.
Leucistic American Robin
White Robins: Leucistic or Albino?
Leucistic American Robin
There are some special ways to recognize this American robin bird. White patches are seen on the body of such birds. This is one way to recognize leucistic robins.
A white American Robin bird appeared before me for 3 years. How rare is this bird and is it the same bird you think the robin looks like? – says Birds and Blooms reader Susan Jacobsen of New Berlin, Wisconsin.
Ken and Kimberly Kaufman: For some reason, robin birds lack certain pigments in their feathers—called leucism or albinism—
Robins are more common than most other birds according to Gobpashana. But these birds are still rare. It is estimated to affect about one in 30,000 robins. So instead of two different birds that look like robins, you can see one bird twice.
Robins are generally faithful to their particular location. They may return to the same place during winter, summer and migration. So it can be assumed that you can see the robin bird again.
See photos of white cardinals and other leucistic birds.
Albino Robin White Robin Leucistic Robin
These types of robins are mostly white in color but are not albino birds.
“Is this American robin leucistic?” asks Candy Brass of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Ken and Kimberly: Yes, this is a good example of the effect of leucism on a bird’s plumage. This robin is not a true albino bird, as it has black eye color, a bright yellow bill, and parts of its feathers that are typically gray and orange in color. But its plumage lacks most of the pigment, which makes it a more attractive mostly white bird.
Leucism is a regular sight in American robins, but it’s a rare thing and a special experience any time you see it.
albino black crow
Is this bird an albino crow?
Leucistic Robin Sightings
“I was absolutely mesmerized when I saw an American robin with partial albinism (above) last fall. Winter passed, and I could not believe that I would see such a leucistic bird again.
I was delighted to see this bird when it arrived at my place in March!” Reader Martha Chavez says.
Is there any point in watching the robin bird?
The leucistic robin
“Once, in early spring, I let my dog out, the dog was playing outside, and I saw what looked like a flash of white. Since there are no white birds in this area of Minnesota, I decided to investigate. Upon inspection, it turned out to be a partially albino. The male robin bird that was flying. Without flying, he stuck around the area for over a week, perched on the treetops and singing his heart out. Quite an unusual sight!” Sue Moore says.
