Rare white sparrow spotted in Borders

Twitchers are expected to flock to Lauder after a rare white house sparrow was spotted there this week.

The bird was seen feeding with other sparrows and small birds, seemingly having to fight for its food.

A rare white sparrow spotted in Lauder. Photo: Phil Wilkinson.placeholder image
A rare white sparrow spotted in Lauder. Photo: Phil Wilkinson.

It is thought to be leucistic rather than albino as its eyes appear to be dark-coloured rather than pink.

Its chances of survival are not rated by experts as being very high as its distinctive whiteness, caused by a partial loss of pigment, is likely to make it a target for birds of prey.

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