strange bird

[rsvp]

saw the strangest bird recently, it was about the same size as a wagtail but a different shape, a tiny, tiny head with small very narrow, short, very thin pointy beak. Had a humped shaped back, one very long pure white tail feather slightly bent upwards - pale grey wings slightly darker edged and a pure white body. I had a really good look at it (5/6 minutes) and was particularly struck by the fact it looked 'odd' - I had a very clear view of it as it flew off and it's body was definitely pure, pure white. Sighted in SE England.

[rsvp]

no trim - the beak was a bit longer and the tail definitely turned up (although I suppose it could have been damaged) - the back was more humped too. Agree about the albino thing although there was darkening on the wings and edges - all colours were very soft.

[rowanwitch]

http://www.surfbirder...ame=great+grey+shrike

beak is wrong but some do over winter in southern UK body is cleanest white pale grey wings with dark edges... if it is good spot...!!

[rsvp]

Unfortunately not that Rowanwitch - it was pure white with only the pale grey wings. It really was quite extraordinary and nothing like anything I've ever seen before but thank you anyway.

[rowanwitch]

i wonder if it is an escaped cage bird from a collection...I've been on surf bird's identifier which is normally brilliant and nothing seemed to fit.... you could try yourself as you may remeber more when prompted go to the advanced identifier..

[rsvp]

I've also tried to identify it RowanW but with no success - it wasn't as if I just caught a glimpse of it either - I stood not eight feet away from it for a good five minutes - maybe you are right about an escapee then? No phone or camera with me more's the pity.

[rowanwitch]

White canary maybe some of the varieties have a sort of humped posture

[rsvp]

think it's destined to remain one of life's mysteries.

[redman41]

Baffled by this as well rsvp !
As stated by Rowan, it could well be an escapee Bird or even a European Bird which has been blown in to the South Coast from the Continent

[rsvp]

Hi Redman - it certainly baffled me but as I said in one post it also looked a little 'odd' so maybe it was a freak of some kind. Pure, pure white (cept wings) but didn't have the red eyes of an albino.