Rare Albino robin spotted on Hampstead Heath

ROBIN red breast may be a typical sight on cards and wrapping paper this year – but on Hampstead Heath he is opting for a different, more wintery, look. A rare Albino robin has been spotted singing his Christmas songs from the Heath's trees this week – sh

ROBIN red breast may be a typical sight on cards and wrapping paper this year - but on Hampstead Heath he is opting for a different, more wintery, look.

A rare Albino robin has been spotted singing his Christmas songs from the Heath's trees this week - shocking and delighting wildlife experts.

Unfortunately for him and his like, they are a lot less common than their red coat-wearing brethren as the all-white look is much more noticeable to predators.

Tim Webb, from the Royal Society of Protection of Birds, said: "Robins are quite possibly our most loved native birds. They are usually quite tame and this one has the added 'ahh' factor of being almost all white.

"It's also got a great sense of timing - popping up just at the right moment to wish us all a happy Christmas."

The robin was spotted by visitors to the Heath alongside the tennis courts on Parliament Hill and regularly visits the cherry trees near William Ellis School.

"If you happen to be on the Heath and spot it - savour the moment," Mr Webb added.

"You'd have to be a very lucky person to ever see another live white robin in the wild. This is a unique and magical experience.