Color Mutations on Cockatiels Part 2
Color Mutations in cockatiels occur in 3 areas of the body. It can affect the color of the overall body, the color of the face marking, and can changed the pattern on feathers and the body. These types of mutations make cockatiels look much different than those that live in the wild. Here
is a closer look at the mutations that change the color of the face marking as well as the one that changes the pattern on the cockatiels body.
Cockatiels are usually known for their bright orange cheek patch and bright yellow face and crown. However, not all cockatiels have that
characteristic patch of orange feathers. White face is the type of color mutation that changes the color of the face marking. Rather than seeing a bright orange spot, the cockatiel has a bright white patch. It can be rather striking and can be quite beautiful. Even though the color
mutation is called white face, it effects yellow and orange pigment through the bird's genes. A bird with a white face will never have yellow feathers either. These birds usually go for more money because they are more rarer than cockatiels with an orange cheek.
Another variation
that changes the color of the face marking is called yellow head and cheek. This is a rather uncommon mutation, but either to identify if you come across it. This cockatiel has no orange cheek marking either. However, it has a yellow head and darker yellow colored feathers where the orange
mark would have been. Try to see if you can find one of these in your local pet store.
The next type of mutations changes the overall patterns on the bird's feathers and body are called pied and pearl. Pied is best described as having white and yellow feathers in areas where there
normally is not any. These birds may have small spots or have large white and yellow areas. Sometimes, a normal grey bird could carry the pied gene without actually having any pattern on its body. Usually the best indicator that he may be a carrier is on the back of the head. There may be
a white spots on the back of the head indicator he could have pied cockatiel babies.
The last type of pattern variation is called pearl. This variation is easy to identify because of the spots and barring found on each individual feather. It is interesting to note that females
will keep these spots for her whole lifetime. However, males that have the pearl variation may lose the spots over time.
These are the most common color mutations found in cockatiels. Whenever you go to purchase your own special bird, you will be able to tell what kind of mutations it has.
Identifying Sick Birds
When you're sick everyone knows it just by glancing at you. Your red, runny nose, feverish eyes and downright listless attitude are surefire clues that you are ill. It should be just as easy to identify a sick bird, right?
Actually, by the...
Death of a Cockatiel
Dealing with the death of a cockatiel can be devastating, especially if it was caused by an accident of some kind. Being able to talk about your feelings can help you to move on. Here are some ways of coping with the loss of a cockatiel in your...
Cockatiel Bird Toys
There are many different types of bird toys to fit the needs of cockatiels. It is important to have toys readily available to your bird, so that it may exercise its brain and beak. The amount of manufacturers that make bird toys has skyrocketed...
Common Cockatiel Injuries
Birds are very fragile creatures that need to live in a safe environment. However, sometimes accidents happen even under the best conditions. The most common injuries among cockatiels involve their wings and feathers from falls. Here are some of...
Biting Cockatiels
Biting can become a huge problem for some cockatiel owners. Sometimes the owner unknowingly rewards the cockatiel whenever it bites. This makes the cockatiel think that biting is a behavior that allowed and praised. Even though a cockatiel's beak...
| |
