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Public asked to take part in abnormal plumage survey
Changes in pigmentation can cause some blackbirds to have all-white feathers.
The BTO is studying the phenomenon.

Members of the public are being asked to record any birds they spot with unusual plumage, such as a blackbird or sparrow with white feathers.

The reports will help the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) to map sightings as it works to better understand the phenomenon. It has been conducting a survey on abnormal plumage since 2011.

Plumage abnormalities can range from birds having a few feathers paler or darker than usual to birds that are fully albino.

Although it can be caused by unusual feather growth or loss, abnormal plumage is most commonly caused by changes in the amount or distribution of feather pigments. Blackbirds, for example, sometimes have white patches caused by a lack of the dark pigment melanin, a condition known as leucism.

Reduction in pigment can cause more than a change in colour. It can also mean that feathers are weaker, making them more vulnerable to wear and tear, and can reduce their insulating qualities.

A complete lack of melanin can result in fully albino birds with all-white feathers and pink eyes. Such birds have associated issues with their eyesight and rarely survive to be adults.

Other problems with pigmentation include melanism, where there is too much dark pigment, erythrism, where there is too much chestnut-red pigment, and xanthochromism, where there is too much yellow pigment.

Santiago Cárdenas, Garden BirdWatch Survey organiser, said: “Since we launched the Abnormal Plumage Survey in 2011, we have received thousands of records.

“Blackbirds have, so far, been the real stars of the show, with many of the reports relating to this common garden species. However, many other birds, sporting a wide range of plumage abnormalities, have also been spotted.

“We still have a lot to learn about the distribution of such unusual birds, and we welcome all records from garden birdwatchers across the UK.”  

Anyone wishing to report a sighting can do so on the BTO website.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.