VISITORS and staff at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney had to look twice at a recent feathered sighting.
While it hops around the harbour and struts through the grassy lawns, this spotted bird has left many people asking, "Is it a magpie?" "Is it an albino crow?".
This extremely rare bird stands out from the rest because of its near colourless plumage and yellow eyes.
Generally a mostly black bird with small patches of white confined to the undertail, this pretty pied currawong has leucism, a rare genetic condition which, while it makes animals and birds look different, is merely a reduction of skin pigment and doesn't harm them.
In fact, this particular bird has bred this season and is now feeding two large chicks.
Garden staff often give names to friendly feathered visitors and want to give this special bird one too.
So they're seeking ideas from the public.
- Have your say at www.facebook.com/royalbotanicgarden
