From The Raptor Trust
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Pearl, our beloved 18-year-old American Robin.
For many years, Pearl was a favorite among visitors, volunteers, and staff alike. Her striking appearance, gentle presence, and resilient spirit touched countless lives, making her a truly unforgettable ambassador for her species.
Pearl was leucistic, a rare condition that causes a partial or complete loss of pigmentation in an animal’s feathers, skin, fur, or scales. Unlike albinism, leucism does not affect the eyes, which retain their normal dark color. While most American Robins are known for their vibrant red-orange breast, Pearl carried only a faint blush of color there, with the rest of her plumage a beautiful, almost pure white.
As Pearl aged, she received a little extra care and comfort. During the cold winter months, she spent her time indoors in our infirmary, safe from the harsh weather. But when warmer days returned, Pearl was always eager to be outside. Visitors delighted in watching her hop about her enclosure, bask in the sunshine, and enjoy her favorite treats of fresh fruit and mealworms.
At 18 years old, Pearl was one of the oldest American Robins ever documented in captivity; perhaps even the oldest. Her longevity was extraordinary, but even more remarkable was the joy and wonder she brought to everyone who met her.
Though her enclosure now sits a little quieter, Pearl’s legacy lives on in the memories she created and the countless people she inspired to appreciate and care for wildlife. Thank you, Pearl, for sharing your life with us. You were truly one of a kind, and you will be deeply missed.
Godspeed, sweet Pearl.
I quite enjoy watching American Robins. They have so much personality and can be quite friendly with humans. Also they’re typically the first bird I hear in the morning, or the last bird I hear if I’m staying up too late. A staple bird throughout my entire life. Pearl was a beautiful birdo.
Whichever points in my life I’ve been interested in birds, the robins have always been there. Even as a little kid, they’re easy to pick out. They’d nest in the tree outside my bedroom window when I was little. Even now, I’ve been enjoying the fledglings going around my yard with their parents learning how to hunt their food. Always been a favorite.
I’ve seen an albino or leucistic cardinal at one point as well at another nature center, but I can never figure out what place it was when going back through photos. I remember Pearl though since she was relatively close to me, so I got to see her multiple times over 8 or 9 years.