LANAO DEL NORTE, Philippines – The video of an albino (leucistic) crow found in Lanao del Norte is challenging the age-old Pinoy expression, “kapag pumuti ang uwak” (when the crow turns white). The Filipino idiomatic expression is usually said when denoting something impossible, or something that will never happen.
For example: kapat pumuti ang uwak, lalabanan ni Mayweather si Pacquiao
Translation: when the crow turns white, Mayweather will fight Pacquiao
Although a rare occurrence, white crows have been found all over the world, such as the USA, Srirangapatna in India and East Vancouver in the UK. It is yet unverified whether the crow found in Lanao del Norte is suffering from albinism or leucism. Leucism is a condition in animals characterized by reduced pigmentation. Unlike albinism, it is caused by a reduction in all types of skin pigment, not just melanin.
Crows are known to have occasional white spots in parts of their body such as the plumage or the nect. Completely white crows, however, are an extremely rare occurrence.
The video was originally posted on Facebook by an individual named Freddie P, who most likely owns and takes care of the white crow.
Click on the thumbnail to play the full video.
