'Extremely rare' white robin spotted in beautiful Devon town - one in 30,000 mutation
James Crook spotted the 'gorgeous' leucistic robin with a genetic mutation believed to occur in only one in 30,000 robins worldwide
A wildlife photographer has filmed an 'extremely rare' white robin. James Crook, 31, noticed the leucistic robin in woodland on 6 March. The robin carries a genetic mutation which is thought to occur in only about one in 30,000 robins globally.
The condition of leucism results in diminished pigmentation affecting various animals such as birds, mammals, and reptiles, characterised by overall light colour or patches. Instead of displaying a typical red breast, this specific bird has a white breast, grey body and black eyes.
James revealed that the sighting in Ivybridge, Devon, is the second leucistic robin he has encountered in four years.
He said: "I thought I was seeing things at first.
"I was quite shocked as you really don't see very many of these birds in the UK - they are pretty rare and just gorgeous."
"What a special experience.
"I haven't seen him around since, but fingers crossed I see them again."
