Albino Hummingbird Photos Captured In Virginia
Stunning photographs of an extremely rare albino ruby-throated hummingbird have been captured in a backyard in Staunton, Va.
The astonishing images showcase the delicate bird's features like white feathers, a pink bill, pink legs and red eyes.
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The still shots were taken on Aug. 16 by a family of photographers who publish Nature Friend magazine.
Kevin Shank and four of his four eldest sons, Marlin Shank, 16, Shaphan Shank, 14, Darren Shank, 12 and Allen Shank, 9, all took turns snapping the unique creature from different angles using just two cameras, reports Discovery News.
"Setting up a flash wasn't even an option," Kevin Shank told The Huffington Post. "With the bird being so unique and rare, we didn't want to do anything that might encourage it to disappear."
Located just 30 miles from the Shank family home, they first heard about the bird on an email list-serve for the bird community, Shank explained. After they got permission, they drove over to the residence where the bird was first spotted and began shooting photos.
Of the 330 hummingbird species found around the globe, the ruby-throated hummingbird is one of the most common in North America.
But experts say the fair-feathered variety are more easily visible to predators and susceptible to disease thanks to the genetic mutation. These weaknesses help make the albino bird all the more rare.
Can't get enough? Take a look at these eye-catching photos capturing the wonderful world of hummingbirds.
Check out the breathtaking images of this unique albino-ruby throated hummingbird below.
CORRECTION: A previous version of the article incorrectly stated 330 hummingbird species exist in North America. In fact, 330 hummingbird species exist worldwide. The error has been corrected.
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The Huffington Post Tara Kelly First Posted: 01/31/2012 5:40 pm Updated: 02/ 1/2012 11:29 am