Agapornis fischeri Lutino, Albino, and Creamino - NSLino

The NSL Ino mutation is a form of albinism in lovebirds, where they lose the dark coloring formed by melanin pigment, similar to albinism in other species.

However, albinism in lovebirds is divided into several variants depending on the mutated carrier gene. So far, there are five known variants of albinism in lovebirds: Lutino, Albino, Creamino, Aqua Ino, and Yellowface Ino.

Lutino or NSL Ino Green is the albinism variant for green-series lovebirds. In this variant, melanin pigment is completely reduced, leaving only the yellow and red psittacine pigments in the Lutino coat.

Albino or NSL Ino Blue is the albinism variant found in blue-series lovebirds. This variant reduces all melanin pigments in the feathers, eyes, feet, and nails. When combined with the CPR (Complete Psittacine Reduction) mutation, it results in a completely white appearance due to the absence of yellow and red psittacine pigments in the plumage.

Creamino, or NSL Ino Blue1Blue2, is a form of albinism from the parblue series. This phenotype occurs due to the complete reduction of melanin pigment combined with the PPR (Partial Psittacine Reduction) mutation. As a result, Creamino lovebirds appear fully cream-colored with red eyes and flesh-red legs.

Aqua Ino is the albinism phenotype found in Aqua-series lovebirds. It is a newer and relatively rare variant. Similar to Creamino, the complete absence of melanin pigment combined with the PPR mutation results in a cream-colored bird. The primary difference compared to Creamino lies in the intensity of the cream color on the body feathers and the orange hue in the mask.

Yellowface Ino, or NSL Ino Yellowface, is the most recent variant at the time of writing. This is a form of albinism from the yellowface series. The phenotype entirely eliminates melanin pigment, combined with the PPR mutation. However, the psittacine reduction is limited to the red pigment, giving Yellowface Lutino a mustard-yellow appearance across its plumage.

As of now, for show purposes, only three albinism variants have been officially recognized: Lutino, Albino, and Creamino.

Characteristics of Agapornis Green NSL Ino Mutation (Lutino Lovebirds)

Lutino lovebirds are known for their brilliant orange forehead, which gives a vibrant impression at the front of the head. This orange extends to the crown and gradually fades into yellow toward the back of the head and neck.On the sides of the face, the cheeks maintain a vivid orange hue, gently transitioning toward the nape. This striking color combination offers a smooth yet visually appealing transition. The chin, throat, and upper chest are also covered in bright orange, making the front of the Lutino lovebird’s body look clean and prominent.

The beauty of the Lutino lovebird is further highlighted by its bright red eyes with featherless white eye-rings, creating a strong contrast on the face. The red beak adds a lively accent. The lower chest, flanks, belly, and anal region are dominated by a bright yellow color, giving a cheerful and harmonious impression. This yellow also covers the body and wing feathers, providing a refreshingly bright look. The main flight feathers feature a combination of yellow and white, producing a graceful effect in flight.

The tail feathers are equally attractive, with a white rump and upper tail blending into the yellow background for a unified look. The under-tail coverts and tail feathers are bright yellow, while the tips are mostly white, adding a soft visual effect. The orange spot pattern on the secondary tail feathers, surrounded by a white area, gives a unique and eye-catching design. Pale pink legs and horn-colored nails complete the elegance of this bird, making it one of the most striking lovebirds in appearance.

Genetics of the NSL Ino Green (Lutino) Mutation

The NSL Ino Green (Lutino) mutation is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning both parents must carry the gene for the mutation to appear in their offspring. This mutation is an allele at the a locus, and it eliminates almost all eumelanin in the bird, replacing dark colors with lighter ones such as yellow and orange. Therefore, lovebirds with this mutation have a brighter appearance, lacking any dark pigmentation in their feathers and soft tissues.

Characteristics of the Agapornis NSL Ino Blue (Albino) Mutation (Albino Lovebirds)

The NSL Ino Blue (Albino) mutation in lovebirds is one of the most visually striking and rare variants in the world of pet birds. Unlike typical lovebirds, this mutation removes nearly all eumelanin from the feathers, resulting in a completely white appearance with pinkish accents on some body parts. The Albino lovebird's pure white coloration gives it an elegant and captivating impression.

Albino lovebirds have a pure white forehead that contributes to a clean and bright look. This white extends over the crown, maintaining a consistent tone across the head. The face—including the cheeks, chin, and throat—is uniformly white, creating a harmonious appearance. The upper chest also features this soft white tone, enhancing the lovebird’s refined appearance.

Albino lovebirds have bright red eyes with featherless white eye-rings that stand out against their white plumage. Their beak is horn-colored with a slight pink tint, providing a soft, natural accent. The lower chest, flanks, belly, and anal area are also white, harmonizing with the overall appearance. The white wings and body feathers contribute to the elegance of this bird, while the white primary flight feathers reinforce its clean and graceful look in flight.

The uniform white curves of the wings, rump cover, upper tail, and under-tail regions maintain the bird’s harmonious appearance. The tail feathers are also white, supporting the overall bright and elegant aesthetic. Pale pink legs provide a gentle contrast to the body, while the horn-colored nails finish the look, making the Albino lovebird one of the most elegant and captivating of its kind.

Characteristics of the Agapornis fischeri NSL Ino Blue1Blue2 Mutation (Creamino Lovebird)

The NSL Ino Blue1Blue2 mutation is one of the most beautiful and unique color variants in lovebirds, blending yellow-orange and white tones with soft accents. This mutation creates a bright and refined appearance, distinct from the typical lovebird phenotype.

These lovebirds feature a cheerful bright yellow-orange forehead that extends to the crown and transitions gently into light yellow toward the neck. The cheeks show a soft yellow-orange that blends seamlessly into the yellow nape. The chin, throat, and upper chest also reflect the yellow-orange shade, tying the facial and body colors together harmoniously.

The visual appeal is enhanced by the bright red eyes with featherless white rings and a soft pink beak that adds an elegant touch. The lower chest, flanks, belly, and anal area are light yellow, contributing to a bright and cohesive look. The body and wing feathers are also light yellow, conveying cleanliness and elegance. The primary flight feathers feature a yellow outer flag and white inner flag, providing contrast and grace during flight.

The wing curves, rump cover, and upper tail maintain the dominant light-yellow shade, with hints of white in certain areas that add to the light appearance. Tail feathers are mostly light yellow with white tips, while the secondary tail feathers feature a unique yellow-orange spot surrounded by white, making them especially eye-catching. Pale pink legs and horn-colored nails finish the look, making the NSL Ino Blue1Blue2 lovebird one of the most beautiful and enchanting variants.