Twitchers in a flap over film of albino pheasant

BIRDWATCHERS are flocking to a field to try to catch a glimpse of a rare albino pheasant.

Footage has emerged of the bird that would typically be covered with brown feathers – but has no colour due to a rare genetic mutation.

The pheasant, spotted in a field near Yelmpton, Devon, can be seen scurrying along before darting for the woods.

It was captured on camera by BBC journalist Jonathan Morris and its sighting has been hailed by experts.

Devon ornithologist Rodney Bone, who started birdwatching nearly 60 years ago, said: “I’ve never seen an albino pheasant in all those years.

“It would be quite a treat to see one, and for anyone interested in birds, so I hope it comes my way.”

Rufus Sage, head of lowland game bird research at the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, said it was a very rare sighting.

He added: “It’s an albino pheasant, a fairly rare genetic mutation or phenotype whereby the body can’t make colour.

“It can occur in lots of animals, including humans, of course.

“Interestingly, the male will keep its red wattles and you can sort of see that.”

David George, of the National Farmers’ Union, said: “It seems appropriate that this rather unusual, spectre-like pheasant has put in an appearance around Hallowe’en.

“Hopefully it hasn’t given anyone too much of a fright.”

Photo: BBC/SWNS.com A video still of the moment that the rare albino pheasant was spotted scurring along a field