Rare albino robin has been left without a partner and ‘unable to breed for FOUR years’ because she is unrecognisable to males due to the lack of a prominent red breast
- Entomologist and birdwatcher John Walters has been watching the bird for years
- The animal lives in Devon and is not thought to have had a mate for four years
- Mr Walters believes the unique colouration makes it impossible for males to see the bird as a potential mate
An albino robin has been forced to lead a solitary life without a mate for the last four years as males do not recognise her without the iconic red breast, it is believed.
Entomologist and birdwatcher John Walters from Devon has been following the bird since 2016 and claims she may have not had a mate in all that time.
Mr Walters claims this lack of sexual interest from males is likely due to the unique pigmentation and the robin’s notably white chest.
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An albino robin missing the iconic red breast of the species has been forced to lead a solitary life without a mate for the last four years as males do not recognise her. The robin resides around Bridford, Devon and is completely white from tip to tail (pictured)
The robin resides around Bridford, Devon and is completely white from tip to tail.
The unusual colouring is caused by a genetic mutation and makes wild albino robins very rare in the rest of the world.
Also known as snow or albino robins, Mr Walters said he has been lucky enough to discover four in his lifetime.
He said that there were two about a mile apart on the Tarka Trail, and there was another in Lelant, Cornwall.
He said that while he was sure the bird was female she had been unable to pair and mate.
Mr Waltes has been monitoring the bird to see if it could be successful and said now is the time of year when males court their partners and eggs are laid.
Wildlife enthusiast John Walters (pictured) from Devon has been following the bird since 2016 and claims she may have not had a mate in all that time. Mr Walters claims it is likely due to the unique pigmentation and the unusual appearance making it hard for other robins to spot her
He said: ‘It appears this one does not seem to do that. Robins typically only survive for a year, as breeding is so stressful for them. This robin doesn’t seem to change.
‘It is probably the reason it has lived so long.’
Albinism is a natural, if rare, genetic mutation which causes a lack of pigmentation.
It is caused by the inheritance of faulty genes from the parents that affect melanin production.
This can whiten the colouration of skin, feathers and eyes, depending on the species.
