Normal Zebras Question ?

[desertbirds]

These shots may be a bit hard to see what im asking about but ive noticed in flocks of wild Zebras there is the odd hen bird carrying slightly different coloured cheek patches. Some appear just plain grey but others seem almost a silvery tan.is this just normal variation or an age related thing ?

PS I have my normal zebbies to start breeding,wil lpost pics later in the week.

[vettepilot_6]

I didn't know wild or normal coloured hens got cheek patches (never did when I had them as a lad)...maybe young cock birds?

[desertbirds]

Interesting Vettepilot because im quite sure they are hens. Today i was looking at an old Australian Bird book (way out of date) and it had scetches of the same thing. Tan coloured cheek patches on hens ? On the bottom pic its the bird in flight im referring to.

[vettepilot_6]

I can see a lot of hens in top pic...but one in bottom I would still say young cock bird....from what I remember hens had teardrop in front of eye only...cocks had the cheek patches...but there are exceptions to every rule

[AMCA26]

It would be the angle those feathers are on that gives the appearance of a cheek patch. If you caught those hens in picture and looked at all of them side on they wood be all grey. I have picked this up on some of my mutations and it seems to be just the angle you catch the bird on.

[AMCA26]

I also have noticed when the cock bird is a bit cranky that the actual cheek patch flares open a bit. Mayb just my birds but something i have noticed over time when you watch them alot.

[vettepilot_6]

I also have noticed when the cock bird is a bit cranky that the actual cheek patch flares open a bit. Mayb just my birds but something i have noticed over time when you watch them alot.

Yep I see a lot of cock birds do that....probably makes them look fierce....

[desertbirds]

Thanks AMCA, i thought maybe that was the case, so in actual fact they do have some different feather colouration there but it depends on the light as to how you see it . ?? think thats right. I noticed the same on Lessers, on wierd overcast day i took some pics and was suprised to see big white cheek patches.

[finchbreeder]

Will I get in trouble if I suggest it is just possible this is a naturally occuring variation (you know that word mutation?)
LML

[desertbirds]

I think what AMCA has said is right. They probably all have that patch but its not visible until you see the bird on the right angle. I will have a closer look next weekend.