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Unusual Coloured Gouldian Fledgling

Posted: 13 May 2022, 23:02
by spoton
Hi all, been awhile between posts.
I used to sneak peek into my Gouldian Nests all the time but this year decided not to - just to see what, if any difference it made to nest numbers etc.
This week, i thought I was seeing things when a pale colored fledgling appeared in the aviary.
After observing the fledgling and a number of normal colored gould fledglings being fed by a pair of red headed goulds, I just had to do a close inspection.
The bird is a mix of white, grey and a light yellow with pale white nodules (not the normal Iridescent blue).

The parents are a pair of red headed goulds which have produced a 1-3 nests per season (5 -8 fledglings each time) for the last couple of years but have never produced one like this.

Any ideas as to what the coloration is / may be?

The bird appears to be wet as it was raining today and many of the aviary were taking the opportunity for a shower.

The first photo shows the fledgling with its parents on either side of it and an interested onlooker in the background.

FYI: In this aviary are pairs of red headed goulds, ruddies and orange breasts. There is also an old pair of diamond doves (these are almost 5 years of age).

Thanks in advance for any suggestions / comments

Spoton
Family Pic - Gouldian Fledgling.jpg
Gouldian Fledgling a.jpg
Gouldian Fledgling b.jpg
Gouldian Fledgling c.jpg
Gouldian Fledgling d.jpg
Gouldian Fledgling e.jpg
Gouldian Fledgling f.jpg
Gouldian Fledgling g.jpg

Re: Unusual Coloured Gouldian Fledgling

Posted: 14 May 2022, 08:15
by garyh
australian yellow,both parents have to be split to aus yellow

Re: Unusual Coloured Gouldian Fledgling

Posted: 14 May 2022, 11:28
by finchbreeder
What Gary said. Look for signs of 1 or 2 white or yellow feathers on the parents, as this is a common give away.

Re: Unusual Coloured Gouldian Fledgling

Posted: 14 May 2022, 13:44
by spoton
Hi Guys,

Thanks for info. I will now have to check the parents.

Is it strange that this is the first of this color out of a number of successful nestings???

Re: Unusual Coloured Gouldian Fledgling

Posted: 14 May 2022, 19:49
by finchbreeder
As both parents must be split = 25% chance of this type of chick. So it is a bit surprising that this is the 1st. Unless of course Dad is not the Dad and it was the next door neighbour bird. :shock: Which could be the reason if Mum is split and the other bloke is too.
Mum does not have a brother in the avairy does she? This would increase the odds of a "bit on the side" causing a chick like this.

Re: Unusual Coloured Gouldian Fledgling

Posted: 14 May 2022, 22:27
by Craig52
Can we have a look at the parents, especially under the bill and the back of the neck area.
Although a white or yellow spot will prove split Australian yellow not every bird displays this and may look normal.