Albino Hummingsbirds Exist and One Was Just Spotted in Alabama
When you picture hummingbirds, you probably think of one in particular, but what many people don't realize is how much they can vary in color. Among the 330 species in the hummingbird family, there are two kinds that stand out the most: the leucistic (that one you pictured) and albino. And one hummingbird fan, who worked her magic with a red feeder, caught a rare sighting of an albino hummingbird in Alabama.
Originally shot by Deborah Aldridge in her Cordova backyard, a 52-second video shows what appears to be a rare albino hummingbird enjoying a meal (perhaps, a homemade sugar syrup). This specific type of hummingbird has pure white feathers with pink eyes, bill, and feet, due to a genetic mutation that stopped the creation of any pigment, making it rarer than leucistic hummingbirds, according to Hummingbird Central.
Meteorologist James Spann shared the video on August 12, and it has already amassed nearly 200,000 views on Facebook. Hummingbird watchers were ecstatic to see the video, saying: “Probably a once in a lifetime sighting. Thanks for sharing!” Another person added, “He is just as beautiful as the others!”
One bird watcher wanted Deborah to keep an eye out for the albino hummingbird's return: “That's quite a finding, need more sightings. Stay on the lookout and keep your video near you. We need more pics of this rarity.”
In the end, the Alabama resident updated everyone about her new bird friend, “We named him Casper the friendly hummingbird.”
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