A RARE albino sparrow has been spotted in a Herefordshire garden.

The unusual visitor was captured on camera by Bircher resident, Lindsay Muir.

After first making an appearance yesterday, the bold little sparrow again joined her regular garden visitors at the bird feeder this morning.

Photographer Lindsay said that although it appeared to be alone rather than with a colony of sparrows, it was not worried by the other birds in her garden.

Albinism occurs in many species, including humans, and is caused where there is a total lack of melanin produced.

The dark pigment is responsible for normal colouration in skin, scales, eyes and hair.

The genetic condition is characterised in birds by white feathers and pink or red eyes.

Sadly, the RSPB says, the rare and beautiful creatures tend to be weaker and have poorer eyesight than their pigmented relatives and do not often survive to adulthood.

Their lack of colour also makes them more prone to predation, as they are much more easily spotted.