A Rare White Cardinal Appeared in Southern Illinois.

A rare white cardinal has been spotted and photographed in southern Illinois (Edwardsville) late last week. Nicknamed “Whitey Herzog”, the shy leucistic bird has been spotted in that area semi regularly this winter.

"Whitey Herzog" stops by Edwardsville, IL. backyard for a snack

As a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, I was curious what the meaning of a white cardinal signifies. A quick check shows that a white cardinal amplifies the traditional cardinal meanings. These are: divine messages, visitation of a departed loved one and hope.

"Whitey Herzog" with his cardinal crew in Edwardsville, IL.

Former St. Louis baseball Cardinals that passed in 2025 include: Pitcher Octavio Dotel, who helped the 2011 World Series Championship team. Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Ueker who famously played backup catcher for the Cardinals in the mid 1960’s. Outfielder from the 1960s Carl Warwick, and former Cardinal General Manager Walt Jocketty, who was GM from 1994-2007. Are any of these former Cardinals sending a message? My magic eight ball says “Ask Me Later”, and that’s fair considering we are several weeks from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training.

Read More: Rare White bald Eagle in Southwest Missouri

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Read More: More Albino Deer Spotted - This Time in Illinois

Leucistic versions of animals aren’t albino, they have pigment, just not much. They are rare and in many cases are considered harbingers. Within the last six months, a leucistic deer, squirrel, Mallard duck, and house sparrow were spotted in Illinois. What is going on? Is there an increase in leucism? The short scientific answer, (as of now) is -no. Many sightings over the last decade plus are because we have the ability to whip out our phones at any moment and capture something unique and share socially that previously we just had to verbally share with others.

They are still very rare, and it is exciting to see the pigment challenged animals. Keep your phones at the ready birders. Maybe there are more leucistic cardinals flitting about. If so, show everyone what you see. Maybe “Whitey Herzog” portends exciting baseball at Busch Stadium this summer.