A super-rare white blackbird has been spotted in a Kent town.

It was pictured in Ladies’ Walk, a tree-lined path in Hythe that links the Royal Military Canal and South Road.

Experts say the bird’s colour is a result of a condition called leucism, a genetic mutation which causes partial loss of pigmentation.

Carly Ahlen, founder of Gabo Wildlife, told KentOnline: “Leucism can either affect a bird's plumage partially or completely as the case seems to be here.

“Leucism affects animals including birds, mammals, reptiles and fish."

Leucistic birds retain their normal dark eyes and can fare well in the wild. Their white colouration can make them more obvious, but they will still instinctively seek cover from potential predators.

Another plumage abnormality is albinism, which presents as a complete lack of pigmentation and pink eyes in birds.

Most albino birds do not survive through to adulthood in the wild due to their poor eyesight and are incredibly rare.

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) runs the abnormal plumage survey where people are encouraged to submit their sightings of birds with plumage abnormalities.

More information about the different types of plumage abnormalities affecting birds can also be read here.

Anyone who spots any affected species in Kent is encouraged to contact the relevant wildlife charity.

The RSPB has confirmed the bird spotted in Hythe is a white blackbird.