Someone brought this to my attention via the caique forum. A picture was found, and posted, of a supposed blue mutation caique!
There has been a lively debate going on as to whether this mutation is possible. We know that other supposed caique mutations have been reported, yet there is only one living specimen that has yet to be positively identified.
Is this mutation fact or fiction? Personally I am leaning towards it being bunk- the way the orange on the nape still shines through the white makes me suspicious. Add to that, that the picture used is actually of a pair of pallid caiques, and this gets even curiouser! Pictures of pallid caiques are rare, to say the least. The probability of this mutation being real? Slim to none. But its an interesting thought, isn't it?
A blue caique?
blue caique, caique mutation, caique species, pallid caique caiquecrazy Tuesday, August 5, 2008 5 comments
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5 Responses to "A blue caique?"
I'll agree with you since I haven't the slightest idea as to whether this is fact or fiction. But the birds in the photos are very unique looking.
I think this blue caique is real. If there is a mutation that blocks the expression of the yellow pigment, this is exactly what you would expect. The residual yellow pigment on the nape may be due to a different pigmet--the one that fluoresces in black-light. The blue color comes from the feather's structure on a background of black melanin and its black head means it is still expressing the melanin gene. Does anyone know where this picture originated?
John
John- you do have a point. Unfortunately all we know about this photo is that it was found on a yahoo group that is inaccessible except to members, and even when you gain access to the member area there is no explanation. I would love to track down the aviary/breeder where this bird originated to learn more, if indeed it is true.
Is their any more info on this bird?
Just a little info in the Blue Caique
The Photo is real as you can see below ill post links to photos of the bird when it was being Hand Raised
The Yellow on the Nape is real
and the parents ARE PALLED Caiques
[IMG]http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c27/Eagle1980/DSCF0190.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c27/Eagle1980/DSCF0189.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c27/Eagle1980/DSCF0187.jpg[/IMG]
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