Hi I am very much an amateur, but is this chap just a blackbird with a white neck? thanks in advance

Retsub said:

Many thanks for all your kind replies.  Wow what a friendly community.  I've added another photo which may be of interest

I think It's a Blackbird thats a messy Sherbert eater.

Though I could be wrong.!  ;-)

hi everyone,

does anyone know what causes this?? and if it has any other effects to the bird?? i heard about an barn owl that was found but it was all black ! the bird could not be put back in to the wild as others would kill it, is this the same with all birds?? very interesting that more are now being spotted!

Hello Robin,

Albinism, which can range from a bird being completely white to having just a few white feathers, is often inherited, but can also be caused by old age or injury, an unbalanced diet, disease and sometimes even shock. The link below will give you even more information on albinism.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/watchingbirds/identify/abnormal/albinism.asp

Blackbirds are one of the more commonly reported partial albino birds to Wildlife Enquiries and the markings reported range from an odd feather in the wing to white spots around the head and chest. Albinism, along with other colour variations can potentially occur in all birds.

Hi, That is a lovely picture. I have a leucistic Blackbird that lives in my garden. He has had babies this year too but I haven't noticed any other leucistic blackbirds around my place yet.

Here he is :

He doesn't seem to have any trouble from other birds.

HI Bemused26

He's lovely as well isn't he - glad to hear has still got his friends!  Looks like he's just been pelted with a snowball! LOL

Hi Bemused26, that is a great photo. I have but the one who has a white splodge on the tail feathers.

Gosh another one!! Nice pic Bemused26!!