Brown and white magpie

[simon624]

This young brown & white magpie came into the garden yesterday and I managed to snatch a few quick shots. It seemed to be attended by a parent bird. I understand that this colouring on a magpie isn't completely unheard of, but it's the first time that I'd ever seen one. The pictures were a little hurried and aren't that great - I'll try to get some better shots if it comes back.

[Steve_G]

Dear god! Simon; That's a Beauty! What a gorgeous looking bird! Completely irrelevant, in Birding terms, of course. It's 'Just a Magpie'.

But, so would it be in terms of my work. But, I'd still have that one into Protective Custody before ye could say " Larsen Trap "!

Thanks for showing us ~ ye lucky devil!

[Kate Rigby]

Wow, I've never seen a brown and white magpie - is it not a juvenile ? - I'm just taking a wild guess here, but as it was with another Magpie, perhaps it was a parent and juvenile ? As I'm at work, I haven't got my Bird books to hand!

[Little Sparrow]

What a super looking Magpie, Simon! Judging by it's size in comparism to the 'normal' Magpie in your last pic, I would say it is a juvenile. I have had 3 juveniles in the garden these last couple of weeks and goodness me do they make a racket, worse than the Starlings.lol!!

A nice garden bird and great pics too! Has the bird returned to your garden since you took the pics and posted?

[simon624]

Yes, the magpie has been back - I've seen it most days that I've been in the garden recently. I managed to get some better shots today (Sat). Although the eye doesn't appear to be pink, it does have a pink beak. I guess that it must be an albino.

[simon624]

I've put the best of these plus some new ones in an album Birding UK and Ireland Forum - simon624's Album: Brown and white Magpie
The higher-res photos are also on my website: Magpie photos from our garden

[clydebirder]

Hi Simon,

the juvenile Magpie is what is termed leucistic (Leucism is a condition characterized by reduced pigmentation. Unlike albinism, it is caused by a reduction in all types of pigment giving a washed out look to the plumage.)

cheers, John

[Twitcheruth]

Super pics Simon,what a unusual visitor to your garden!

[simon624]

Originally Posted by clydebirder

Hi Simon,

the juvenile Magpie is what is termed leucistic (Leucism is a condition characterized by reduced pigmentation. Unlike albinism, it is caused by a reduction in all types of pigment giving a washed out look to the plumage.)

cheers, John

Thanks for that John. If I ever get to sit opposite Chris Tarrant - you're definately on my phone a friend list!

Simon.

[bassist]

Originally Posted by simon624

Thanks for that John. If I ever get to sit opposite Chris Tarrant - you're definately on my phone a friend list!

Simon.

Very funny my friend..............you have got me giggling here....!