Rare White Hummingbirds Spotted In Indiana And Kentucky

Spring hummingbird migration is already underway across the South and the Midwest. But in recent years, birdwatchers in our region have reported something even more unusual.

White hummingbirds.

While rare, albino, leucistic, and pied hummingbirds have been reported in parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, and even right here in Indiana.

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Can Hummingbirds Really Be White

Although uncommon in nature, there are indeed white hummingbirds. They fall into three categories: albino, leucistic, and pied.

Melanin plays a major role in feather color, eye color, and even feather strength. Less melanin results in lighter coloration. A complete absence of melanin results in albinism.

What Is An Albino Hummingbird

A true albino hummingbird has completely white feathers along with pink eyes, bill, and feet. This occurs because the bird lacks all melanin due to a genetic mutation.

While albino hummingbirds are extremely rare, you can see one flit around a feeder, as shared on YouTube by user rhodagerig. It looks like something out of a storybook.

What Is A Leucistic Hummingbird

Leucistic hummingbirds can still produce some melanin. They typically have dark eyes, bills, and feet, but their feathers may appear pure white, off-white, tan, gray, or partially white instead of the normal green or ruby coloring.

These are rare, but not as rare as true albinos.

What Is A Pied Hummingbird

The term pied or piebald refers to birds with bold contrasting patches, often black and white.

Pied hummingbirds have partial white feathers mixed with their normal green or brown coloration. Because they retain some normal coloring, they are considered pied rather than leucistic.

Read More: Helpful Hummingbird Feeder Tips

Have They Really Been Seen In Our Region

According to Hummingbird Central, sightings in 2025 included reports from:

Isom, Kentucky
Glasgow, Kentucky
McMinnville, Tennessee
Corryton, Tennessee
Milton, Tennessee
Lafayette, Tennessee
Morris, Illinois
Evansville, Indiana.

Yes. Evansville!

As hummingbird migration continues this spring, keep an eye on your feeders. You may not just see the familiar flash of green and ruby.

You might see something white. To learn more and see photos of albino, leucistic, and pied hummingbirds, visit Hummingbird Central.

Stunning Kentucky Wildlife Photos

Corey Wilson is an Owensboro photographer who was recently featured in Kentucky Magazine. Here are some breathtaking hunting and wildlife action shots that have quickly become his specialty.

Gallery Credit: MKAT

Select Wildlife You Could Encounter in Kentucky

With all the bear stories--and occasional bobcat stories--that are popping up, maybe it's time we take a look at some of the wildlife you could encounter within these Kentucky borders. Some are harmless and some you want NO part of, in my opinion.

Gallery Credit: Dave Spencer

Source: Rare White Hummingbirds Have Been Spotted Nearby