In Germany found a rare black swift.
BERLIN, 14 Aug. /TASS/. German animal welfare activists found in Bavaria, a rare species of albino black swift. This was reported on the website of the Land bird conservation Union.
“Swift is an albino with red eyes — an absolute rarity,” — said the representative of the organization Klaus Bayerlein. The chick was found during a check of nests of a colony living near Nuremberg. According to Bauerlein, this is the first albino since the settlement of the territory these birds 34 years ago.
Especially rare all-white specimens. According to experts, their chances of survival is difficult to assess. “The white plumage of the lower body of a bird camouflages it. In the case of flying predators, light-colored top has just the opposite effect,” explained Beuerlein.
In addition, the swift-albino in coloration stands out from the pack, consisting of birds exclusively black.
Red eyes in turn, more sensitive to sunlight. This reduces visual acuity, which reduces the chances of a successful hunt for insects.
According to experts, albinism — a hereditary disease in which the skin is not able to produce melanin. This substance responsible for the pigmentation of the skin and hair of people, animal hair, bird feathers, fish scales and insect cuticle.
In Bavaria this is the first such case. In past years, two swift albino was discovered in the Federal States of Hesse and Schleswig-Holstein. Common Swifts reach a length of 18 cm, and the span of their wings — see 40 Birds live in Central Europe and Central Asia and winter in Africa and southern India.
