A bird photographer’s snapshot from Jasaan, Misamis Oriental has drawn nationwide attention: a white crow, a creature so uncommon that many Filipinos are seeing one for the first time.
But what exactly is a white crow, and why does it happen?
What exactly did the photographer capture?
Cagayan de Oro–based bird photographer Jun Rey Yap traveled to Jasaan after hearing online buzz about a rare, white-feathered crow.
For wildlife photographers, sightings like this are a big deal.
“’Pag may nakikita kaming rare… very special para sa ’min,” Yap told 24 Oras.
The bird he photographed isn’t new to the area. It was found injured in 2020 by the Ebalang family, who has cared for it ever since.
A rescue story behind the viral sighting
According to Orvelle Ebalang, his son Jaybert first spotted the bird while out in the fields.
The white crow was injured when they found it. Instead of harming it, Jaybert climbed a tree, retrieved the crow, and brought it home.
The family treated its wounds and nursed it back to health.
They attempted to release it back into the wild — but the crow kept coming back.
“Kahit siya lumipad na malayo, bumalik dito siya sa aming bahay,” Orvelle said.
Because of this, the bird has lived with the family for years, becoming a minor celebrity in Jasaan. Photographers, vloggers, and curious locals regularly visit to catch a glimpse.
A similar white crow was also documented in Villanueva in 2014, showing that these rare occurrences do happen in Misamis Oriental.
Why does a crow turn white? The science behind it
Wildlife biologist Jay Fidelino explains that the Jasaan bird is an albino crow.
Albinism: the cause of the unusual white color
Albinism happens when an animal cannot produce melanin. It is the pigment responsible for black feathers, dark skin, and beaks and eyes.
Without melanin, the crow appears pure white — a stark contrast to the typical jet-black plumage its species is known for.
“It’s a very rare phenomenon,” Fidelino said.
This makes sightings extremely uncommon. Albino birds may also face difficulties in the wild because of poor camouflage, making them more visible to predators.
These birds also have vision problems, which is common in albino animals. They also face social rejection by normal bird flocks.
This explains why the Jasaan crow may have struggled and possibly why it bonded with the Ebalang family.
Why this matters
Rare wildlife sightings remind us of the biodiversity found even in small towns — and the importance of protecting it.
The Jasaan white crow is not just a viral attraction. It is a case study in genetic variation in wildlife, the impact of human intervention on rescued animals, and the role of local communities in conservation.
Most of all, it highlights compassion — a boy who spared a strange-looking bird and a family who cared for it until it healed.
And because of that, the Philippines now has a real-life “white crow” that continues to spark wonder online.
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