Parakeets are popular pet birds that come in a wide variety of stunning colors. While most pet parakeet color mutations are relatively common, some rare color variations do exist. Understanding parakeet color genetics can help explain why certain color combinations are less frequently seen.
Common Parakeet Colors
The most common parakeet color is the classic green. Wild parakeets have green feathers on their back and wings, with yellow-green underparts. Their tails feature gorgeous bands of blue, black, and yellow.
Domestic parakeets have been selectively bred over generations to achieve a broader palette of colors. Here are some of the most popular pet parakeet color variations:
- Blue – Uniform pale blue feathers over the entire body.
- Yellow – Vibrant yellow feathers replacing the typical green.
- White – Pure white feathers on the body and wings.
- Green – The natural wild-type green coloration.
- Turquoise – A light greenish-blue shade.
- Violet – Light purple feathers instead of the usual greens.
- Opaline – Paler body color with darker wing feathers.
- Cinnamon – Soft beige-brown feathers.
- Lutino – Pale yellow with orange cheek patches.
- Albino – White with red eyes due to lack of melanin.
These are just a few of the most popular pet parakeet mutations seen today. But even rarer color varieties also exist for those looking for a particularly unique parakeet.
Factors Affecting Parakeet Color
A parakeet’s feathers contain specialized cells called melanocytes that produce melanin pigments. These melanin pigments are responsible for creating the colors we see in parakeet plumage.
Parakeets have two types of melanin that contribute to their feather coloration:
- Eumelanin – Produces black and brown hues.
- Psittacin – Produces vibrant red, yellow, and orange hues.
The specific amounts and distribution patterns of these two melanin types determines the final color we see on a parakeet. Regulation of melanin is controlled by genetic factors inherited from the parents.
Certain color mutations occur when there are changes in the genes that code for melanin production in feathers. For example:
- The blue parakeet mutation limits eumelanin production, removing the black and leaving only the blue hue created by psittacin.
- The lutino mutation prevents eumelanin synthesis, leaving only the orange psittacin pigment visible.
- The albino mutation disables all melanin production, removing coloration completely.
By selectively breeding parakeets that exhibit rare mutations, breeders can propagate these unique color varieties. However, many unusual mutations are recessive traits that can be challenging to maintain in breeding lines.
Rare Parakeet Color Mutations
While blue, yellow, and white parakeets are relatively common, some exceptionally rare color varieties also exist. Here are some of the most unusual parakeet color mutations.
Anthracite
These parakeets have a dark gray coloration unlike the usual vibrant greens and blues. The anthracite mutation causes an overexpression of eumelanin that leaves the bird looking charcoal gray.
Slate
Slate parakeets have a dull diluted blue-gray coloration. This mutation reduces both eumelanin and psittacin production, creating a muted slate-like hue.
Mauve
With light purple-gray feathers, the mauve color mutation produces an unusual tone. It is thought to inhibit the yellow and red hues produced by psittacin.
Jade
The jade parakeet has a pale greenish-blue coloration, lacking the vivid greens of wildtypes. It is a dilution mutation causing washed out color.
Faded
As the name suggests, faded parakeets have an overall desaturated or “faded” look. Their colors are paler and contain less vivid pigmentation.
Pastel
Pastel mutations produce a lightened, softened version of the base color. For example, a pastel green parakeet will have a light mint green tone.
Bronze Fallow
With a metallic reddish-brown color, bronze fallow parakeets shine like a newly minted penny. This mutation enhances red psittacin pigments.
Recessive Silver
This mutation removes the dark melanin while allowing vibrant psittacin pigments to remain. It produces parakeets with vivid yellow, orange, and red tones.
Dominant Silver
Similar to recessive silver, this mutation also inhibits eumelanin. However, it leaves a sparkling silver color rather than bold hues.
Rare Color Combinations
Breeders can also produce stunning parakeets by combining two different color mutations. Some rare examples include:
- Whiteface blue – Pure white face with blue body.
- Yellowface blue – Blue with yellow mask and wing feathers.
- Spangle violet – Pale violet with very dark wing feathers.
- Cinnamon turquoise – Beige-brown body with turquoise wings.
- Yellow saddleback – Green with yellow back and rump.
Since many mutations must be inherited together, these unusual color combinations are tricky to achieve. But the results can be breathtaking parakeets that stand out from the rest.
The Rarest of All: Black Parakeets
Of all the rare parakeet color mutations, true black is perhaps the most elusive. Most black parakeets are actually just very dark violets or blues. But a real black parakeet with utter absence of color is exceptionally rare.
A mutation called black velvet is responsible for true black parakeets. It causes extreme melanin production, turning the bird pitch black. However, it is a challenging mutation to maintain in breeding lines and little is known about its genetics.
If you come across a jet black parakeet with no hints of any other color, you may have encountered one of the rarest parakeet color mutations in existence!
Conclusion
From pale pastels to metallic sheens, parakeets have an astonishing range of potential color mutations. While some rare varieties can be tricky to produce and maintain, the results are undeniably stunning.
The genetics behind these unique color forms are complex, but dedicated breeders have made it possible for nearly anyone to enjoy these rare feathered beauties as pets. If you’re looking to add an uncommon pop of color to your home, consider one of these dazzling rare parakeet color mutations.
