BTO Abnormal Plumage Survey results revealed

The response to our call for observations of birds showing unusual plumage characteristics has been remarkable. We checked the database this morning and are delighted to say that we have now had 800 online submissions (we've not counted those coming in on paper forms yet). These have come from all corners of the country and refer to a real mix of species.

Leucistic Robin by Donna McGhee

Such has been the level of interest in the survey that we thought it would be interesting to share our preliminary results with you. You can find out more on our GBW web pages. If you have seen a bird in your garden showing unusual plumage characteristics then we would welcome your involvement in our simple survey, which can be accessed here.

The leucistic Robin shown here is one of a number of fascinating images sent in by participants. You can view other images in our survey gallery.

Looking a bit odd?

Every now and then you might spot an unusual bird in your garden. Sometimes this will simply be an unfamiliar species, perhaps something that has strayed off course on migration, but on other occasions it may turn out to be a familiar species with some form of plumage abnormality. Such abnormalities may involve problems with the pigments that give the bird's plumage its colour and we want to find out more about these.

You can help us by learning more about plumage abnormalities and by completing our simple online survey if you have seen a bird with unusual plumage. Perhaps it was a Blackbird with a few white feathers, or a House Sparrow with very washed out looking plumage.

Check out this House Sparrow, photographed by John Harding

Leucism in a House Sparrow, by John Harding