Aussie Finch Forum

Therehas been lots of debate/discussion about the mutation colours versus the wild type. Many expressed the view that they arenot as lovely as the wild type.

In another thread I expressed this view: " Pure white is pure white and apart from size, shape and leg/beak colour, that's it. But the lovely nuances of pattern and colour of those "almost white" birds can be quite beautiful. So might it be with the Gouldian."

Perhaps we should not compare new colours with the original wildtype. Treat them as their own bird, so to speak. on that basis, many mutation birds are truly lovely.

For example, (not comparing them to normals and not inviting mutation-bashing, please!) I really love true pure blue mutations of most species but my favourites in that group involve the white markings as contrast: budgerigars spring to mind. I would love to see a true blue star or redbrow. Amazon parrots have some lovely blue mutations.

Lutinos are another group of birds that are quite spectacular, imo. Lutino budgerigars (again), greenfinches, Indian ringnecks and Nyassa lovebirds spring to mind.

Of those first 2 groups, there seem to be very few true blue or lutino mutations established in the finches. Most are subtle cinnamons, dilutes, isabels, whatevers I do love fawn zebras, dilute stars, cream blackhearts and would love to see a fawn masked dove.

So, over to you guys. Do you have favourite colours/ combinations of any of our birds. Wild types excluded.

There are some mutations I don't like, but that is not the aim of this thread. Wild type "obssessives" look the other way

Tom,

In a previous thread you were quite strong on the ethical responsibility mutation breeders had to not polute wild type birds. Now in this post you speak of the beauty color mutations provide and advise "wild type breeders to look away"

I love mutations and the many colors that can be combined so I know my position, but it's not clear which side of the fence you sit on....if you are so concerned about the unethical behaviour of some mutation breeders how can you admire mutations so much? Do you love the birds but not the breeders?

Your stance comes across as wanting a bit of everything but not really being happy with any of it

Paul

You're off topic, gouldianpaul but I should clarify myself.
My views are well recorded in my many posts. I suggest you reread them.
I am entitled to express views concerning pure white birds, beauty of some colours etc. I am critical of some unethical mutation breeders (and for that I make no apology) and the use of hybrid birds in "transferring" genes to new species. I am a supporter of maintaining a population of wildtype and obssessive about the conservation of our biodiversty in nature.
What fence? I can love new colours and also be protective of nature's beauty. Can't you? To me, there is no need for a mutation/wild type divide. Perhaps we should all "take a cold shower " on that topic, to quote an (in)famous pollie from up north!

Yes a suppose I do want a little of everything because I like to think I can see a bigger picture and therefore express a view about heaps of things!

Finally, I'm disappointed with you turning a positive fun discussion into a question about my own values. I don't run with the fox and bark with the hounds. I see the value in both foxes AND hounds Let's get back to topic please

Tom,
PM sent

I am a bit of a puriest, but can appreciate a nice looking bird.

The first time I saw a lutino rainbow lorikeet it really took my breath away.

In terms of finches I like yellow redbrows, yellow diamonds, yellow crimsons and black cheeked zebs. (maybe I have a preference for these as the aren't common).

I once visited the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

They has a large "picture" on display named "White on white" . People gathered around it and stated at the white canvas. I kept walking as to me it was just a blank canvas.

Beauty is in the eye of...............

to me there are no favourite mutations. Nature wins every time.

cheers


case

Favourites from my personal collection would be the pied RFPFs bred by Doug Hill that I once owned. They were absolute stunners, like little fat Christmas tree ornaments in bright green, bright red and yellow. I've seen many since, but none ever really seem to compare.

With Gouldians I find it so hard to pick because they are all so bloomin' lovely. Overall the orange and red head normals still win out for me, but very close behind them are the various white breasted mutations, including very clean back European Yellows.

The common pied Zebra can also be quite lovely if the bird is well coloured. I have some with rich dark chestnut and deep black markings, set against perfectly bright snow white pied patches. It's a striking combination.

Im not much of a mutation breeder still like the normal types but the picture of the yellow Cuban I fancied I think they call it a Lutino. Gouldians I like the DF YB they are nice and clean to look at.

Hmmm,where do i start.I'm a sucker for all mutations in finches but once they are established they go by the way side and then i'm looking for that next freak of nature. Craig

Favorite unnatural colours:

Opaline, Spangle, Dilute and my absolute favorite Clearwing budgerigars in any colour as long as olives and the grey factor is kept out of them.

Non frosted yellow ground clear or ticked Australian Plainhead canaries. Pure white canaries of any type breed. Cinnamon Lizard canaries.

Lutino Galahs

Isabel and Marked White zebra finches

Lime fischers lovebirds