Red kites: White leucistic bird visit Powys farm

Image source, Rodney Holbrook

Image caption, One spot in Wales has multiple sightings of a very rare red kite which appears white
  • Author, Gray Gathergood-Dains
  • Role, 大象传媒 Wales

A rare type of red kite has been spotted at a farm in Powys, with three of the birds regularly visiting.

Gigrin Farm in Rhayader says three leucistic red kites - which is white - have been visiting for the past few months with two sometimes coming at the same time.

Some visitors have managed to spot them, including Rodney Holbrook who managed to get a picture of the bird.

Mr Holbrook said: "It was absolute magic."

Leucistic red kites are defined as the complete or partial absence of eumelanin and pheomelanin in one or more feathers, but not in the eyes, bill or feet.

This results in white patches in all or part of the plumage.

Mr Holbrook said he was "so pleased" that he managed to get so close, and said it can take up to 500 shots to get a clear picture of the birds, with most coming out blurry.