Albino goldfinch

Hi Gill and welcome to the forum, sounds more leucism than true albino which would have no colouring and pink eyes! Would be good to see a photo of this bird!

Not a bunting of some sort? Snow bunting maybe? Never seen one but there was a recent post on here with one.

Mr Kes said:

Not a bunting of some sort? Snow bunting maybe? Never seen one but there was a recent post on here with one.

Was there? I've not seen any snow bunting photos recently.

Hello. Another leucine or albino goldfinch in the flock. Are two unusual? One is as described, white all over with buff patches on wings and normal goldfinch tail, the second one (in the same flock) has half a red face, normal coloured goldfinch wings and tail but rest of it pure white. They are definitely goldfinches and arrive with rest of flock.

Those goldfinches could share the same genetic 'fault' and be from the same nest. Did get sparrows here a few years back with variable amounts of white. I'm only guessing but so long as small birds with the 'fault' aren't predated and survive after fledging, two wouldn't be that unusual. Only me guessing though.