Agapornis fischeri blue, dark blue and double dark blue mutations

The blue lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) is the result of one of the most interesting mutations in the avian world, the CPR (Complete Psittacine Reduction) mutation. In this mutation, psittacine - the green pigment normally present in lovebird feathers - is completely removed, resulting in a lovebird with a very distinctive blue colour.

This mutation not only changes the overall colour of the plumage, but also affects the pattern and structure of the lovebird's body, creating a more elegant and dazzling appearance.

This article will discuss the physical characteristics of blue lovebirds, the genetics underlying this mutation, as well as the important role of colour in the characteristics of the blue mutation.

Physical Characteristics of the Fischeri Blue Lovebird

Blue lovebirds have a very different appearance from the average lovebird, especially in terms of colour and feather pattern. Here is a detailed description of the physical characteristics of the blue lovebird:

Forehead: The forehead of the blue lovebird is white in colour, providing a striking contrast to the rest of the body. This white colour on the forehead is very important in the blue mutation, as no dark colour deposits or other pigments appear in that area.

The Fontanel: The crown of the head of the blue lovebird is dark grey, which then transitions to a lighter grey towards the nape and neck. This blend of greys provides a subtle and elegant colour transition, which makes the blue lovebird stand out even more.

Cheeks: In blue lovebirds, the cheeks are white, with a gentle colour transition to light grey at the nape. This transition zone extends down through the centre of the eye, adding dimension and depth to the lovebird's face.

Chin, Throat, and Upper Chest: The chin, throat, and upper chest of the blue lovebird are all a pure white colour. This uniform white colour gives a clean and bright impression to the front body of the blue lovebird.

Eyes: The eyes of the blue lovebird are dark brown in colour, with a white ring around the eyes that have no feathers. This white eye ring creates a strong contrast with the bird's body colour, enhancing the look of the blue lovebird's face.

Beak: The blue lovebird's beak is horn-like in colour with a faintly visible light pink haze. This beak colour provides a soft accent to the head of the blue lovebird.

Lower Chest, Pelvis, Abdomen, and Anus Region: The lower chest, pelvis, abdomen, and anal region of the blue lovebird are an even blue colour. This blue colour creates a very harmonious colour unity with the rest of the body.

Coat and Wing Feathers: The coat and wing feathers of the blue lovebird tend to be darker compared to the rest of the body, creating a prominent contrast and giving this bird a more dramatic feel.

Main Flight Feathers: On the main flight feathers, the outer flag is blue, while the inner flag is blue-black. This colour combination creates an elegant and classy look when the blue lovebird flies.

Wing Curves: The curve of the blue lovebird's wings is white, which provides a bright contrast to the darker colour of the wing feathers and body.

Rump Cover and Upper Tail: The blue lovebird's rump and upper tail coverts are purple, providing a slightly darker and different touch of colour from the main body colour.

Under Tail Cover: The under tail cover of the blue lovebird is blue, which blends in with the rest of the body colour, creating a matching look on the tail.

Tail Feathers: The tail feathers of the blue lovebird are mostly blue, with the tail tip being blue-black in colour. The secondary tail feathers have a white spot in the centre, which is surrounded by a black zone. This white spot adds uniqueness and beauty to the blue lovebird's tail.

Feet and Nails: The feet of the blue lovebird are grey, with nails that are slightly darker than the colour of the feet, creating fine details that enhance the appearance of this lovebird.

The Genetics Behind the Blue Mutation

The blue mutation in lovebirds is autosomal recessive, meaning it will only appear if both parents carry the blue gene (bl locus). In the blue mutation, the green pigment in the lovebird's feathers (psittacine) disappears completely, resulting in a dominant blue colour on the lovebird's body. This blue gene can be inherited by both parents carrying the blue gene even if only one shows the blue colour clearly on their body.

Physical Characteristics of Dark Blue Fischeri Lovebird

The blue D lovebird is one of the most attractive and elegant colour variations in the world of pet birds, especially for Agapornis enthusiasts. The blue D mutation produces lovebirds with stunning colour combinations, where blue becomes dominant in almost all parts of the body, but with other colour accents that add visual beauty.

Forehead: Pure white, providing contrast with the rest of the body.

Adam's Apple: Dark grey, transitioning to light grey towards the back of the head and neck.

Cheeks: White, with a light grey transition towards the nape.

Chin, Throat, and Upper Chest: Uniform white.

Eyes: Dark brown with a white ring.

Beak: Horn-like with a faint pink haze.

Lower Chest, Pelvis, Abdomen, and Anus Region: Even D blue.

Coat and Wing Feathers: Slightly darker than the rest of the body.

Main Flight Feathers: Outer flag D blue, inner flag D blue-black.

Wing Curves: White, providing bright contrast.

Rump Cover and Upper Tail: Purple.

Lower Tail Cover: Blue D.

Tail Feathers: Mostly blue D, with a blue-black tip and white spot surrounded by a black zone.

Feet and Nails: Grey, nails slightly darker.

The Genetics Behind the Dark Blue lovebird Mutation

As with the common blue mutation, the blue D mutation is also an autosomal recessive mutation meaning that to produce a blue D lovebird, both parents must carry the blue D gene (bl locus). This D blue colour tends to be darker and deeper compared to the regular blue lovebird, giving it a more elegant impression.

Physical Characteristics of Double Dark Blue Fischeri Lovebird

Colour name: DD blue

International term: DD blue

Forehead: white.

Crown: dark grey, gradually becoming light grey towards the back of the head and neck.

Cheeks: white with light grey transition to the nape. This transition zone runs downwards at the center of the eye.

Chin, throat and upper breast: white.

Eyes: dark brown with unfeathered white eye-ring.

Beak: horn-coloured with light pink haze

Lower chest, flanks, belly and anal region: DD blue

Mantle and wing feathers: a shade darker than the rest of the body.

Primary flight feathers: DD blue outer flag and DD blue-black inner flag

Wing bends: white

Rump and upper tail coverts: grey.

Under tail coverts: DD blue.

Tail feathers: the tail feathers are predominantly DD blue. The secondary tail feathers have a white spot drawing in the middle. This spot drawing is partially surrounded by a black zone.

Legs: grey.

Nails: a shade darker grey than the feet.

Importance of Mask Colour

One of the important aspects in the blue mutation is the colour of the mask or the facial part of the lovebird. The mask colour in blue lovebirds should be pure white without any form of dark deposits. This completely white mask is the hallmark of the blue mutation and is one of the main determinants in assessing the quality and beauty of the blue lovebird.