A rare snow-white sparrow has caught the attention of Hong Kong birdwatchers and photographers in Sai Ying Pun.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
HKFP’s photographer, Kyle Lam, captured the elusive white-featured bird alongside some of its more common counterparts in Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
The bird could have a genetic condition known as leucism, whereby a lack of melanin pigment results in a partial white appearance. There is also a chance the striking plumage is a result of albinism, though few sparrows survive with the condition.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Yahoo News reported that several dozen observers have been coming to the park in recent days, though the bird appeared to be undisturbed.
A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.A white-coloured sparrow seen at Sun Yet Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun on February 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Kyle Lam is a Hong Kong Baptist University graduate who has worked as a photojournalist and reporter since 2013. His work has been published by HK01, the European Pressphoto Agency, Bloomberg and Ming Pao. Lam is the recipient of several prizes from the Hong Kong Press Photographers Association and Human Rights Press Awards.
