A remarkable and rare bird with unusually light feathers has been recorded in a protected area off the coast of Zamboanga City, providing a unique opportunity for local wildlife experts.
Rare Sighting During Routine Patrol
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, staff from the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) made an exceptional discovery. During their regular patrol activity within the Great and Little Sta. Cruz Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape (GLSCIPLS), they observed and documented a bird rarely seen in this condition.
The sighting occurred specifically on Great Sta. Cruz Island, located in Sta. Barbara village, Zamboanga City. The individual who successfully documented the bird was Environmental Management Specialist Godfrey Lopez, according to an official report from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Zamboanga Peninsula region.
Understanding the Leucistic Fantail
The bird identified is a Philippine Pied Fantail (Rhipidura nigritorquis), a medium-sized bird species endemic to the Philippines and belonging to the Family Rhipiduridae. What makes this particular individual extraordinary is its leucism.
The DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula clarified that leucism is a genetic condition resulting in a partial loss of pigmentation, which lightens the bird's plumage. A key distinction from albinism is that it does not affect eye color. This means the bird retains its normal vision, a significant survival advantage.
Unlike an albino animal, which would appear entirely white with red eyes, or a "nido" bird with only partial white patches, this leucistic fantail exhibits a washed-out or pale version of its normal patterned plumage while keeping its eyes dark.
Significance for Conservation
This documented encounter highlights the rich biodiversity within the Philippines' protected seascapes. The sighting of such a rare genetic variant underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and patrol activities in these critical habitats.
The event serves as a positive indicator for the Great and Little Sta. Cruz Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape, suggesting that conservation efforts help maintain an environment where even rare wildlife phenomena can be observed. It provides valuable data for researchers studying avian genetics and population health in the region.
For local conservationists and bird enthusiasts in Zamboanga and beyond, this leucistic Philippine Pied Fantail represents a unique and exciting natural heritage worth protecting for future generations.
