Opaline Mutation in Fischer Lovebirds
Last Updated on June 29, 2022 by Ali Shahid
As a result of the emergence of the opaline mutation in Fischer’s Lovebird, several new combinations emerged. Currently, only the opaline mutation is capable of being used in conjunction with all other variations, which is both exciting and unique.
It is not surprising that the opaline mutation of fisher lovebirds is already winning the hearts of many bird lovers due to its wide range of color variations.
Furthermore, it is also very interesting to note that such lovebirds are easy to handle and have the same requirements as other lovebird species.
The Belgian Lovebird association has already bred a few opaline euwings out of the combination of opaline green x euwing green, under the direction of Dominique Veeckmans.
In Fisher’s Lovebird, euwings and opaline both affect the coloration of the wing coverts differently and uniquely, because both mutations affect the coloration of the wing coverts independently.
Combining this with the traditional opaline characteristics, we might be able to create a very special piece of lovebirds. A characteristic of the Opaline Fischer Lovebirds is the face mask on their head that completely covers their face from head to shoulders.
Euwing Fischer Lovebirds show gradation patterns especially on their wings and the tail is highlighted with patterns.
Genetics of Opaline Mutation in Fisher Lovebirds
The SL recessive opaline mutation will result in a reorganization of pigments in a bird. In the case of Fischer’s Lovebird Agapornis fischeri, the orange-red mask extends to the back of the head.
There will be minimal edged patterns in the feathers on the covert part of the wings as the process of development continues.
Increasing the amount of green on the rump and increasing the amount of orange-red on the tail feathers is the most significant impact of this mutation.
As a result of the autosomal incomplete dominant euwing mutation, the black eumelanin pigment in SF (single factor) birds will lose its color and dull the color of their body feathers and mantle.
In the case of DF (double factor) birds, the effects on the pigmentation are stronger, so that some additional eumelanin can even be found in the coverts of the wing feathers.
Because of this, both phenotypes appear to have a darker coloration of the coverts on the wings.
A combination of both mutations results in Fischer’s Lovebirds becoming a bit paler on the body, which results in a contrast of almost yellow body and olive-green wings, with an entirely orange-red head.
Different Color Variations of Opaline Mutation in Fisher Lovebirds
- Violet Euwing Opaline
- Mauve Euwing Parblue Opaline
- Cobalt Blue Parblue Euwing Opaline
- Blue Parblue Opaline
- Cobalt Blue Euwing Opaline
- Violet Parblue Opaline
- Green Euwing Opaline
- Lutino Opaline
- Green Opaline
- Olive Green Euwing Opaline
- Dark Factor Violet Opaline
