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There are many different color mutations of Pacific Parrotlets. This page has been organized by color factor, then color. You can quickly go to a particular mutation by clicking on the links contained in the descriptive text. To date, most color mutation parrotlets have been found only in Pacifics and the lucida sub species. Although there are mutations in Green Rumps and Spectacles, these are highly rare. All mutations have been recessive and none are sex-linked. It is believed that parrotlets generally follow the mutation patterns of ring-necked parakeets. Single Factor MutationsThe following parrotlet mutations are "single factor" mutations which means there is only one color factor difference in order to produce the color. The American Yellow Pacific Mutation are bright lemon yellow mutations developed in the United States by Dr. Rainer Erhart. This parrotlet has dark eyes and males and lucida hens show their blue markings. Blue Mutation parrotlets are beautiful colored birds. They have been bred for quite some time in Europe and were one of the first color mutation parrotlet imports into the United States. Their blue coloring differs between birds but is a soft sky blue color. In the lucida sub-species the gray coloring on the back and wings on the males adds a beautiful contrast to the soft blue. Males and female lucidas also retain their blue/teal markings. This mutation has an exceptionally sweet personality both as a pet and with other parrotlets. The Fallow Pacific Mutation parrotlets are light yellow-green with beige. You can definitely see the green color peeking through the yellow mutation coloring. They also have red eyes and retain their blue coloring. Isabel was one of the first Pacific mutations in Europe but it is not as common as other more colorfull variations. Also known as "cinnamon". The decrease in melanin production could turn out to be an important factor in making new combinations. Lutino Pacific Mutation parrotlets are sometimes confused with the American yellow but Lutinos have no color other than yellow. In fact, males have white where it should be blue. They also have red eyes. The Grey Green Pacific Mutation parrotlets are also termed Dark Factors. These birds are a deep, dark olive green with dark eyes that retain their blue coloring. The Pastel Mutation parrotlet is also known as the European yellow. This light yellow bird has green infused with the yellow unlike the American which has no green. Double Factor MutationsParrotlet mutations that are "double factor" are birds which require two mutation color genes in order to produce the color. The Albino Pacific Mutation parrotlets have no color whatsoever and are completely white birds with red eyes. Males and females look exactly alike and must be sexed. Albino is produced by breeding lutino/blue splits. The American White Pacific Mutation parrotlets are beautiful birds indeed! Starting out as very light blue, they lose this coloring as they age. These dark-eyed birds retain their blue markings and should not be confused with all-white albinos. American whites come from breeding American yellow/blue splits together. Fallow-Blue are new mutations in the United States. These light blue birds have bright red eyes but retain their blue markings on the males and lucida females. They are produced from fallow/blue splits. Pastel-Blue Pacific parrotlets are currently only found in Europe. These very light blue birds, unlike fallow-blue, have dark eyes. They, of course, are a combination of pastel and blue. Green Rump Mutations have been reported and are currently being debated as to exact identification. So far, several breeders have reported light green colored birds with both red and dark eyes in the United States.The red-eyed birds are believed to be cinnamons but the dark eyed birds have yet to be possitively identified. Possible MutationsThere may be a Pied Pacific Mutation parrotlet that is being developed. Several birds have shown up with numerous yellow feathers scattered across their heads and bodies. Of course, not all birds with errant yellow feathers are pied but there have been several birds that not only have these markings but produce young with it as well. We will have a better idea after several generations have been produced. Yellow-Headed Pacific There is a debate whether or not this is a true mutation or possible previously unknown sub-species. In this bird, the forehead, cheeks and chin are yellow instead of lime green. So far, only males have displayed this characteristic. White-Headed Blue Pacific This bird is the result of crossing the "Yellow Head" with a blue. The bird has a normal blue body but a snow white face and head. Medium Blue Pacific This bird is deep teal on the face and under the tail with violet on the chest and slate gray wings and backs.
These powder blue beauties have bright red eyes.
AMERICAN WHITE MUTATION
"White Headed Blue"
Body of bird is powder blue with gray wings. Face including cheeks, chin and forehead are snow white. More white appears as the bird ages, he is less than one year old in this photograph. (Click the image for more different pictures of him!) "Medium" Blue   Description : Male Pacific Mutation Pacific
Parrotlet - Coloring possible Medium BlueSpecies - Forpus coelestis lucida Courtesy : The Parrotlet Ranch This is a picture of our award winning show bird "Earl". His head and tail are dark teal, his wings and back are gun-metal gray and his chest and underparts are light violet. He is, as yet, an unnamed color mutation. "Pied"
"Yellow Head"
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This page last updated on Friday, December 22, 2000 |
