• 11/26/2024

HKFP Lens: Rare white sparrow captured on film by HKFP photographer

Hong Kong Free Press

white sparrow hong kong sighting

A rare show-white sparrow has caught the attention of Hong Kong birdwatchers and photographers in Sai Ying Pun.

A white-colored sparrow was seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

HKFP’s photographer, Kyle Lam, spotted the elusive white-featured bird alongside some of its more common counterparts in Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park.

A white-colored sparrow was seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

The bird could have a genetic condition known as leucism, whereby a lack of melanin pigment results in a partial white appearance. There is also a chance the striking plumage is a result of albinism, though few sparrows survive with the condition.

A white-colored sparrow was seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

Yahoo News reported that several dozen observers have been coming to the park in recent days, though the bird appeared to be undisturbed.

A white-colored sparrow was seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-colored sparrow was seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-colored sparrow was seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-colored sparrow was seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-colored sparrow was seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-colored sparrow was seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-colored sparrow was seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-colored sparrow was seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-colored sparrow was seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-colored sparrow was seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-colored sparrow was seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

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https://hongkongfp.com/2024/02/14/hkfp-lens-rare-white-sparrow-captured-on-film-by-hkfp-photographer/