Here are a few shots of a House Sparrow with what I assume is leucism – it was the first time I saw such a bird so was very glad I was carrying my camera.
Its eyes are dark so I’m assuming leucism rather than albinism. (If that assumption is incorrect, please let me know.) Can anyone point to any references or studies that discuss how common such full leucism is in House Sparrows? Or, more generally, in birds around the Mediterranean?
Photos from Nice, France on 6 January 2026.
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This is very interesting, Bob. Have you uploaded to iNaturalist? If you do, I would not identify the bird. Instead, I would identify the condition: leucism. The scientific community studying that will be able to ascertain the fact or suggest another option.
Excellent idea, thanks, will do.
I would say Leucism Bob as eyes looks normal rather than pick
Great find Bob, I had a Leucistic Chaffinch on the patch for a short time.
Great find and beauty!
Full leucism is very rare, most birds don’t seem to survive long as the plumage makes them an easier target for predators. Also they don’t tend to get along with others of their species.
Great observation and images.