In their natural form, peach-faced lovebirds exhibit a vibrant green plumage on their body, with a striking peach-colored face and throat, which gives them their common name.

 

Mutations in peach-faced lovebirds can occur naturally or as a result of selective breeding. These mutations alter the bird's pigmentation, resulting in a wide array of striking colors and unique patterns.

 

Peach Face Lovebirds fall into two color series

Every lovebird starts with a base color, setting the foundation for its overall appearance. The two primary base colors are:

1. Green-series (Wild Green): Dominant in nature, creating the classic green hue.

2. Blue-series: A recessive trait leading to a visually distinct blue-green body. Variants include Dutch Blue (Aqua) and Whitefaced Blue (Turquoise).

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Blue series has 3 recognized variants

1. Dutch Blue   Also known as Aqua

2. White-Faced Blue Also known as Turquoise

3. Sea Green  Also known as Aqua Turquoise

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Color Mutations:

There are almost endless variations, mutations, and also combinations possible with these birds. Some estimate that there exist almost 100,000 different variations and combinations of the Peach-faced lovebird.

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A mutation is a genetic change and comes from a pairing of two pure main species, whereas a combination always means a pairing of pure mutations.

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Some main color mutations are:

1. Lutino: The lutino mutation causes a lack of melanin production, resulting in lovebirds with a bright yellow plumage and red eyes. The peach-faced lovebird's signature peach coloration is replaced by a warm yellow tone, creating a stunning contrast.

2. Albino: Similar to lutinos, albino lovebirds lack melanin production, resulting in an all-white plumage and red eyes. Albino peach-faced lovebirds possess a delicate and ethereal beauty that is truly captivating.

3. Pied: Pied lovebirds exhibit a random distribution of pigmentation, resulting in patches or speckles of color on a lighter background. The pied mutation can occur in various colors, creating a mosaic-like appearance that adds a unique charm to these lovebirds.

4. Cinnamon: The cinnamon mutation affects the distribution of melanin, resulting in a lighter brown coloration. This mutation produces lovebirds with a softer, more subdued appearance, with shades of cinnamon and taupe replacing the vibrant green of the natural plumage.

5. Dilute: Dilute lovebirds have a diluted coloration compared to their natural counterparts. The melanin in their feathers is reduced, resulting in softer and paler hues. Dilute peach-faced lovebirds often display pastel shades, giving them an elegant and delicate appearance.

6. Violet: The violet mutation affects the distribution of melanin and creates a deeper, richer shade of coloration. Violet peach-faced lovebirds exhibit hues ranging from deep purples to striking blues, adding a touch of royalty to their overall appearance. And many more….

 

Simple recessive genes in lovebirds follow a specific inheritance pattern. To visually express a recessive trait, such as lutino or albino coloration, both parents must carry at least one copy of the recessive gene.

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Sex-linked recessive traits in lovebirds follow a different inheritance pattern compared to simple recessive traits. Sex-linked recessive traits are carried on the sex chromosomes, specifically the X-chromosome. In lovebirds, the sex chromosomes work as follows:

• Females: Lovebirds have two X-chromosomes (XX).

• Males: Lovebirds have one X-chromosome and one Y-chromosome (XY).

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You also have “factors” – such as Dark Factor and Violet Factor. The dark factor basically darkens the color of the bird. So, a blue mutation with one dark factor would be called Medium Blue – if it had two dark factors it would be Slate (some people call this mauve).

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The evolution of color mutations in lovebirds, including rosy-faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis), is a fascinating process that involves a combination of natural selection, genetic variation, and selective breeding by humans. 

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