Starlings with mostly or completely white feathers are extremely rare. The common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a medium-sized songbird that is native to Europe, western Asia, and northwestern Africa. It has dark plumage with an iridescent sheen featuring small white spots. However, very occasionally a starling will be born that lacks the melanin pigment responsible for the bird’s typical black coloration. These rare white starlings stand out starkly from their common counterparts.
What causes white starlings?
Leucism is the scientific term describing the lack of melanin pigment that results in white starlings. Leucism is different from albinism, as albino birds lack melanin completely and have red or pink eyes. Leucistic starlings have normally colored eyes. The leucism mutation causes a partial loss of pigmentation, leading to white feathers. The mutation may prevent melanin from being deposited in growing feathers, or could inhibit the production of melanin altogether in some cells. Whatever the exact mechanism, the end result is a striking white bird among a sea of black brethren.
How frequently do white starlings occur?
White starlings are very rare. Ornithologists estimate that only 1 in 20,000 starlings is white. Given that the common starling has a global population estimated at over 200 million birds, however, white starlings do occasionally crop up if you know where to look. The United Kingdom and Ireland see the highest numbers of reported sightings of white starlings. White starlings generate excitement among bird watchers when spotted, as they stand out distinctly and can usually be observed among flocks of normal starlings.
Famous sightings of white starlings
One of the most famous white starlings was spotted regularly at Leadenhall Market in London in the late 2000s. Birders nicknamed the all-white bird “Henry” after spotting him in the historic market beginning in January 2007. Henry continued to frequent Leadenhall Market over the next few years, readily observed hunting for food among the feet of restaurant goers keen to catch a glimpse of the rare leucistic starling. Sadly Henry disappeared sometime in 2010 and is presumed to have died.
Other notable sightings include:
- An all-white starling observed in Kent, UK from 2006 to 2011.
- A white starling living in a backyard flock spotted in Ayrshire, Scotland in 2012.
- A leucistic starling affectionately named “Starlee” observed in Lancashire, UK beginning in 2015.
- A mostly white juvenile spotted in Cornwall, UK in 2019.
Why are white starlings so rare?
There are several reasons why white starlings are rare compared to their normally pigmented counterparts:
- Genetics – The leucistic mutation that causes white feathers is recessive. Both parents must carry the gene for it to manifest in offspring. As the mutation occurs randomly and infrequently, the chances of two leucistic carriers mating is very low.
- Predation – The stark white coloration makes white starlings much more visible, especially when perched among normal starlings. This increased visibility to predators likely contributes to the rarity of white starlings reaching adulthood.
- Rejection by other starlings – There is evidence that white starlings may be actively rejected or excluded by normally pigmented members of their flock. This could inhibit feeding, mating, and other behaviors required for survival.
- Physiological factors – Abnormal melanin deposition may indicate underlying physiological issues that could negatively impact survival over the long term. However, some white starlings have lived for multiple years, suggesting this is not a major factor.
In summary, the causes of rarity stem from genetic improbability, predation pressures, and difficulty being accepted by other members of their species – all contributing to very low numbers of white starlings reported.
Fascinating facts about white starlings
- Both male and female starlings can be white. The sexes appear similar in plumage coloration.
- Albino starlings with pink eyes are even rarer than leucistic white birds.
- White feathers may occur randomly throughout the body, or a starling may only have small patches of white.
- The beak and legs of a white starling remain black as these parts do not contain melanin.
- White starlings are not a separate species or subspecies, simply color variants of the common starling.
- Young white starlings tend to get whiter as they molt and grow new feathers.
- White starlings still produce melanin pigment in their eyes, preserving normal eye color.
- Extremely rare is a bird that is half black and half white, known as a “bilateral gynandromorph.”
Spotting a white starling
Here are some tips for spotting the elusive white starling:
- Scan flocks carefully – A lone white starling will stand out distinctly when surrounded by normal black plumage.
- Check favored starling hangouts – Look for flocks gathered near farms, in city centers, or anywhere starlings congregate.
- Search during winter – White plumage is more obvious against bare trees and snow.
- Follow up on reports – Check birding forums and groups for sightings of white starlings in your area.
- Photograph the bird – This documented proof is the best way to officially record a white starling sighting.
Your best chance is staking out a large flock of starlings and scanning carefully for that one ghostly white individual among the crowd. With luck and patience, you may be rewarded with a glimpse of one of nature’s rarest birds.
Significance of white starlings
The occasional occurrence of white starlings provides interesting insights for ornithology:
- Demonstrates genetic diversity – White color shows mutations still occur in the species.
- Illustrates founder effect – Europe’s starling population descended from a small number of ancestors, restricting diversity.
- Highlights importance of melanin – Starlings rely on pigment for camouflage and social signaling.
- Suggests pressures on abnormal birds – Rarity implies natural selection against white birds.
- Indicates flexibility in mate choice – Some white birds have bred, showing color is not the only factor.
Careful study and tracking of white starlings over the years has added to scientific knowledge about starling biology, genetics, and evolution. These rare birds continue to fascinate both experts and casual observers.
The future for white starlings
It is likely that white starlings will continue to occur at very low frequencies in the global population. The genetic mutation responsible has persisted for centuries at a stable rate. However, a warming climate could potentially impact white starling numbers. Warmer average temperatures may make the visual disadvantage of white plumage less detrimental. If white birds gain greater acceptance by flock mates in warmer weather, their chances of successfully breeding could increase. But sustained monitoring would be required to determine if leucism rates change over time. For now, ornithologists recommend reporting white starling sightings to contribute to ongoing tracking of these rare and striking birds.
Conclusion
White starlings are an exceptionally rare color variant of an otherwise common and widespread species. Their ghostly white plumage marks them out distinctly from normal starlings. These leucistic birds continue to generate excitement among bird watchers due to how infrequently they are spotted. The challenges of finding a mate, avoiding predation, and gaining acceptance from other starlings all contribute to very low numbers reaching adulthood. But the persistence of white starlings illustrates the endless capacity of nature to surprise us. Keep your eyes peeled next time you spot a flock of starlings – you may just catch a glimpse of a highly unusual white individual!