New mutation of Fischer’s Lovebird – Agapornis fischeri: Opaline Euwing

Mutations

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It was no surprise that arrival of the Fischer’s Lovebird ( Agapornis fischeri ) opaline mutation resulted in appearance of broad range of new combinations. As a matter of fact, opaline remains the only mutation that can be combined with all other mutations, which is very exciting.

Dominique Veeckmans, the president of BVA (Belgium Lovebird association) has already bred a few opaline euwing out the combination Opaline green x euwing green.

The combination of euwing and opaline Fischer’s Lovebird is very interesting because both mutants affect the pigmentation of the wing coverts, each in their own unique way. If we combine this with the typical opaline characteristics, we may get a very special result.

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New opaline euwing mutation (c) Dominique Veeckmans

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The SL recessive opaline mutation will reorder pigments present in a bird. For example, the orange-red mask of Fischer’s Lovebird Agapornis fischeri will extend to the back of the head, the wing covert feathers will obtain a minimal edged pattern, the rump will become predominantly green and the tail feathers will develop a predominantly orange-red colour.

The autosomal incomplete dominant euwing mutation of Agapornis fischeri will dull the colour of the black eumelanin pigment in the body feathers and on the mantle of SF (single factor) birds. The effect on the pigment is stronger with DF (double factor) birds, and some additional eumelanin even ends up in the feathers of the wing coverts. As a result, both phenotypes give the impression of a darker colour on the wing coverts.

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Fischer’s Lovebird Opaline Euwing mutation (c) Dominique Veeckmans

Fischer’s Lovebird Opaline Euwing mutation (c) Dominique Veeckmans

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Through the combination of both mutations we see that the Fischer’s Lovebird becomes a bit paler on the body, as a result, the contrast of the almost yellow body, the party green wing coverts and the completely orange-red head appears even brighter. As you can see in the picture, this combination is really striking.

The next step is culturing them in blue and violet.

author: Dominique Veeckmans

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Title photo: (c) Dominique Veeckmans

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