Lovebirds are popular pet birds that belong to the genus Agapornis. They are known for their affectionate nature and ability to form strong bonds with their owners. There are 9 species of lovebird and many color mutations or varieties that have been selectively bred in captivity.
What is a mutation in lovebirds?
A mutation refers to a genetic change or alteration that causes a difference in physical appearance of an animal. In lovebirds, mutations cause a change in plumage color and pattern from the normal or wild-type coloration.
Mutations arise randomly but can be selectively bred to produce specific color variants. Breeders selectively pair birds that exhibit a desired mutation to develop a new color morph or variety of lovebird.
Some common mutations in lovebirds include:
- Yellow/Lutino – lack melanin and appear completely yellow
- Cinnamon – reduced melanin with brownish color
- White/Albino – lack all melanin pigments
- Pied – random patches of color loss
- Dilute – paler or washed out color
In addition to body color, some mutations also affect eye color and skin color. Lovebirds exhibit over 100 recognized color mutations and the numbers continue to grow as new varieties are established.
How do mutations occur in lovebirds?
Mutations occur due to changes or errors in genetic material (DNA). Some common ways they originate include:
- Spontaneous genetic mutations – random errors during DNA replication and cell division.
- Recessive genes – a recessive gene can remain hidden for generations until expressed when paired with another recessive gene of the same type.
- Sex-linked genes – color mutations in birds are often sex-linked, carried on the X or Z chromosomes. Sex-linked recessive genes easily express in males who have only one Z and one X chromosome.
- Selective breeding – breeding two birds with desired traits produces offspring exhibiting the same traits.
- Crossbreeding – crossing two different color varieties can result in new color mutations.
Popular mutations in lovebirds
Here are some of the most popular and sought-after mutations in lovebirds:
Yellow/Lutino
The lutino mutation results in an overall bright yellow plumage. It is a sex-linked recessive trait that originated as a spontaneous mutation. Lutinos have yellow or white feathers, orange beaks and feet, and red or pink eyes.
White/Albino
The albino lovebird has white plumage, pale pink eyes and feet, and a pale beak. It lacks all dark pigments including melanin. Albino mutations can occur spontaneously but are rare. Most white lovebirds are bred selectively.
Pied
Pied lovebirds have random patches of color loss throughout their body leaving white or yellow feathers. It is caused by the recessive pied gene that inhibits melanin production in some areas. Pied spots can vary in size and location.
Cinnamon
The cinnamon lovebird exhibits a brownish-grey color instead of black and darker grey. The mutation reduces black melanin production causing a warm cinnamon color. It originated as a spontaneous mutation.
Dilute
Dilute lovebirds have pale, washed out body color with a soft muted appearance. The dilute gene prevents full expression and distribution of melanin pigments. It causes a palette of pale pastel colors.
Examples of common lovebird mutations
Mutation | Appearance |
---|---|
Lutino | Bright yellow feathers, orange beak and feet, pink eyes |
Albino | Pure white plumage, pale beak, pink eyes |
Pied | Random patches of white feathers on colored body |
Cinnamon | Light brownish-grey instead of black |
Dilute | Washed out pale pastel body color |
Common questions about lovebird mutations
Are mutations harmful to the birds?
Most mutations are not harmful to the health and wellbeing of lovebirds. However, some issues to watch out for include:
- Albino and lutino birds have greater sun sensitivity due to lack of melanin.
- Heavily inbred birds can have reduced genetic diversity and weakened immune systems.
- Delicate mutations like albino and pied may not thrive in the wild.
Responsible selective breeding minimizes risks and produces happy, healthy pet birds in most cases.
How can you tell if a lovebird is a mutant?
Mutations cause visible changes in plumage color and pattern. You can identify a mutant lovebird by comparing its color to the normal agapornis species traits. For example:
- A completely yellow peach-faced lovebird is a lutino mutant.
- A Fischer’s lovebird with patches of white is a pied mutant.
- A black-masked lovebird with a dilute grey body is a dilute mutant.
Breeders may also advertise a bird as a specific mutant like albino, lutino, cinnamon, etc. based on its lineage.
Are mutant lovebirds more expensive?
Yes, many color mutations tend to be more expensive than normal wild-type lovebirds. Reasons include:
- Rarity – unusual colors are less common and harder to produce.
- Demand – vibrant mutations attract attention and have prestige.
- Breeding challenges – some mutations are sex-linked or recessive and tricky to breed.
- Supply and demand – breeders can charge higher prices for rare findable colors.
That said, common established mutations like lutinos and pieds may be affordable. Prices vary by breed, variety, breeder, and rarity.
Can you breed mutations back to normal wild-type?
Yes, it is possible to breed a mutant lovebird back to its original wild-type coloration. To do this, you need to breed the mutant with a normal colored lovebird.
Here is an example using peach-faced lovebirds:
- Breed a lutino peach-face with a normal green peach-face.
- The offspring will all be normal green but carry the lutino gene.
- Breed these green offspring together.
- 25% of their babies will be pure normal green with no lutino genes.
It typically takes 2-3 generations of selective breeding to completely eliminate a color mutation from a bloodline.
Conclusion
Mutations are responsible for the diverse colors and varieties of lovebirds today. From bright lutinos to softly diluted pastels, mutations introduce new plumage pigments and patterns. While some rare colors can be expensive, they allow breeders and buyers to choose more personalized pet birds. Responsibly bred mutations are delightful for enthusiasts to appreciate and care for.