ONLY 1 in 146,000: Rare White Penguin spotted in Antarctica
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This rare all-white Chinstrap penguin stands out against his friends as he takes his morning waddle around Antarctica.
The unusual bird was photographed by naturalist David Stephens during a nature expedition to the Aitcho Islands.
Chinstrap penguins’ normal black-and-white colouring provides them with camouflage while they dive for fish.
This rare all-white Chinstrap penguin stands out against his friends as he takes his morning waddle around Antarctica
![All white: The penguin was spotted during a nature expedition to Antarctica](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/01/26/article-2091973-1174FEEC000005DC-445_634x344.jpg)
All white: The penguin was spotted during a nature expedition to Antarctica
![Rare: The condition known as leucism occurs in about 1 in 146,000 penguins](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/01/26/article-0-1174FED8000005DC-885_634x349.jpg)
Rare: The condition known as leucism only occurs in around 1 in 146,000 penguins
The condition which causes the whiteness is known as leucism. It differs from albinism which is a total lack of skin pigment.
Mr Stephen, who works aboard Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Explorer ship, wrote in the daily expedition report: ‘At the water’s edge stood a leucistic Chinstrap.
‘This bird was whitish, but not quite an albino. Instead, it had pigmented eyes and a washed-out version of a Chinstrap’s normal pattern.
‘Many wondered about this unusual bird’s chances of success. While odd coloration may make fishing a bit more difficult, leucistic birds are regularly found breeding normally.’
![Blending in: Chinstrap penguin's black and white colouring camoflages them when they dive for fish](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/01/26/article-0-1174FEDC000005DC-150_634x341.jpg)
Blending in: Chinstrap penguins’ black and white colouring camouflages them when they dive for fish
![The unusual bird was photographed by naturalist David Stephen who works aboard Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Explorer ship](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/01/26/article-0-1175B8AB000005DC-654_634x350.jpg)
The unusual bird was photographed by naturalist David Stephen who works aboard Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Explorer ship
Dyan deNapoli, a penguin expert and author of ‘The Great Penguin Rescue, said the rate of leucism in Chinstrap penguins is about 1 in 146,000.
He added: ‘It is a fairly rare phenomenon. When I was in Antarctica, I never saw one, and I saw a lot of penguins.’
Lindblad Expeditions is a travel company which works in partnership with National Geographic, providing trips to both poles.
Spokeswoman Patty Disken-Cahill said: ‘Expedition photography is a big component of our expeditions.
‘The photography that comes out of our ships is pretty spectacular.