For generations, this familiar expression has been used to describe something considered nearly impossible. But in Misamis Oriental, an extraordinary white crow has turned that saying into a remarkable real-life discovery.
In November 2025, wildlife photographer Jun Rey Yap captured stunning images of the rare bird in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, sparking curiosity among nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Unlike the familiar black plumage of ordinary crows, this unusual bird is covered in striking white feathers, a rare appearance that may be linked to a pigmentation condition.
But its story is about much more than its extraordinary appearance.
Nicknamed Warey, the crow was first discovered [in.jur.ed] in 2020 by Jaybert Ebalang, whose family took it in and lovingly cared for it. When they eventually attempted to return the bird to the wild, something unexpected happened: Warey kept coming back to their home, gradually becoming a familiar and cherished presence.
Its unusual white coloring may be the result of either albinism or leucism, two rare conditions that affect pigmentation in animals.
Albinism occurs when an animal produces little or no melanin, the pigment responsible for coloration in feathers, skin, and eyes. Birds with complete albinism typically have entirely white feathers and pinkish or reddish eyes.
Leucism, on the other hand, causes a partial loss of pigmentation, often resulting in white or unusually pale feathers while leaving the eyes their normal color. Although both conditions can produce strikingly pale birds, distinguishing between them requires closer examination.
For a bird that would normally blend into its surroundings with dark plumage, being almost entirely white may bring additional challenges. Its unusual appearance can make it more visible to [pr.edat.ors] and potentially affect its chances of survival in the wild.
Yet Warey has continued to survive years after being rescued, making its story even more fascinating.
And this isn’t the first time an unusually white crow has attracted attention in the region. Similar sightings have been documented in Mindanao, including an earlier case in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, in 2014.
Beyond its rare appearance, Warey’s journey is a beautiful reminder of nature’s extraordinary diversity and the importance of showing compassion toward wildlife in need.
What was once considered an expression of the impossible has become a living reality—a remarkable white crow whose existence reminds us that nature still has countless surprises waiting to be discovered. 🤍🐦⬛
