The White Crow Soaring in Nagahama: A Miracle in Shiga Where Luck and Science Intersect

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The White Crow Reflecting Japan's "Fortune"

2. What is a White Crow?
   2-1. Difference Between Leucism and Albinism
   2-2. Occurrence Frequency and Genetic Mechanism

3. Discovery Story in Nagahama
   3-1. The Moment of Sighting and Local Reaction
   3-2. The Ecosystem of Lake Country and the Crow's Adaptability

4. The Mystery of "White Wings" Unveiled by Science
   4-1. Mechanism of Pigment Abnormality
   4-2. Impact on Physical Strength and Survival Rate

5. "White" in Culture: Auspicious Signs and Reverence
   5-1. Japanese Mythology and White Animals
   5-2. Omi Traditions and Nagahama Beliefs

6. White Crows and Environmental Conservation
   6-1. Etiquette for Observing Wildlife
   6-2. Wildlife Protection and Management Law and the Forefront of Research

7. Access to Nagahama & Birdwatching Practice Guide
   7-1. Train and Bus from Kyoto and Nagoya
   7-2. Recommended Observation Spots and Telephoto Lens Settings

8. Conclusion: A Bridge Connecting Fortune and Science
   
   

1. Introduction: The White Crow Reflecting Japan's "Fortune"

In the crow world, where black feathers are the norm, a pure white individual makes a striking impact. The two that appeared in the rice field area in the southern part of Nagahama City quickly spread on social media, attracting birdwatchers from both inside and outside the prefecture. While local residents hope it might become a new tourist attraction, experts urge for observation that considers the stress on the individual birds.mainichi.jp

2. What is a White Crow?

2-1. Difference Between Leucism and Albinism

Leucism is a phenomenon where the pigment in feathers is lost due to a defect or transport abnormality in melanin-producing cells, and it is distinguished from albinism by the presence of pigment in the eyes and skin. According to the Wild Bird Society of Japan, a completely leucistic crow is estimated to occur in about 1 in 20,000 to 30,000 individuals.midori-ikimono.com

2-2. Occurrence Frequency and Genetic Mechanism

Leucism often manifests when recessive genes are homozygous, and reports are relatively common on isolated islands or in urban parks where inbreeding progresses. It is rare to find two individuals simultaneously in a wide agricultural area like Nagahama, and it is suggested that they might be sibling individuals.

3. Discovery Story in Nagahama

3-1. The Moment of Sighting and Local Reaction

The discoverer, a man, testified, "The whiteness stood out, and I only realized it was a crow when I heard its call." An impromptu nature observation class was held at the local elementary school, where a student remarked, "I really felt like good fortune was coming."mainichi.jp

3-2. The Ecosystem of Lake Country and the Adaptability of Crows

The area around Lake Biwa is internationally known as a stopover point for migratory birds. The abundant food resources and mild climate are also favorable for crows, with urban-adapted jungle crows expanding into rural areas.

4. The Mystery of the "White Wings" Unveiled by Science

4-1. Mechanism of Pigment Abnormality

Mutations in **tyrosinase-related genes (such as TYRP1)** responsible for the melanin synthesis pathway prevent the production of black melanin, leading to the whitening of feathers. Meanwhile, protection of the retina and skin remains incomplete, raising concerns about damage from ultraviolet rays.

4-2. Impact on Physical Strength and Survival Rate

A five-year tracking study in the UK reported that the average lifespan of leucistic crows was about 30% shorter than normal individuals, but the impact of predation pressure and social exclusion varies greatly by region. The Nagahama individuals are observed to be mingling with the flock, showing no signs of exclusion so far.

5. "White" Imprinted in Culture—Auspicious Signs and Reverence

In Japanese mythology, the Yatagarasu is black, but "white animals" like white foxes and white snakes have been revered as good omens. Ancient records from the Hikone Domain mention "seeing a white crow at the lake as a sign of a good harvest," and faith in white birds is rooted in the Koto and Kohoku regions.

6. White Crows and Environmental Conservation

6-1. Etiquette for Observing Wildlife

• Maintain a distance of over 100 meters

• Do not mimic calls

• Drone photography is prohibited

• Do not post detailed shooting locations on social media (to prevent poaching/capture)

6-2. Wildlife Protection and Management Law and the Frontiers of Research

In Japan, crows are also included as protected and managed birds, and capturing or keeping them without permission is subject to fines. Rare leucistic individuals require approval from an academic committee before being used as research specimens.

7. Access to Nagahama & Birdwatching Practical Guide

• Railway: About 55 minutes from Kyoto and about 85 minutes from Nagoya on the JR Biwako Line's special rapid service

• Bus: From Nagahama Station East Exit, take the Nangou Line and get off at "Minamitakada," the nearest stop to the local settlement

• Observation Spots: Along the farm roads by the rice fields, in an area lined with utility poles 50 meters ahead

• Equipment: APS-C camera + 400mm telephoto lens, recommended settings: F5.6-8, shutter speed 1/2000 seconds

• Nearby Attractions: Nagahama Castle Historical Museum, Kurokabe Square, Kohoku Wild Bird Center
  
  
  
  

8. In Conclusion—A Bridge Connecting Fortune and Science

The white crow excites people's hearts as a "bird of fortune," while providing scientists with clues to unravel the mysteries of evolution and genetics. In the face of such a rare natural phenomenon, what we can do is "watch over" and "learn."When visiting Nagahama, quietly peer through your binoculars and let the trajectory drawn by white wings, along with the summer breeze of the lakeside country, etch into your heart.

Reference Article List

• Mainichi Shimbun "Sign of Good Luck? White Crow Found in Nagahama, Shiga Due to Pigment Abnormality" 2025/06/18mainichi.jp

• Ikimono Nowa "Crow Expert's Research Anecdotes [Part 1] White Crow" 2023/09/02midori-ikimono.com

• Jomo Shimbun "White Crow Appears and Becomes a Topic of Conversation; 1 in 20,000 to 30,000 Birds May Turn White Due to Reduced Pigment" 2022/03/07jomo-news.co.jp