The Blue or Par Blue Black-headed Caique

Black-headed Caiques are curious birds

The Black-headed Caique is an attractive species and readily kept. They get about the aviary acting like clowns and love to explore their surrounds. They are by nature extremely curious and quite a rewarding species to keep. 

Wild Type Black-headed Caique

This however is not a blog post about the Black-headed Caique and its housing etc. For a full article on Caiques refer to my article in Australian Birdkeeper Magazine Volume 27 Issue 4 available at www.birdkeeper.com.au

Blue or Par Blue that is the question

This post is instead about a mutation of the Black-headed Caique that has been bred in Australia over the past few years. A mutation that has caused quite a bit of excitement. A mutation that has increased the interest in these already popular birds. 

Wild type left and the mutation on right showing considerable differences

The mutation I am speaking of is often referred to as the blue mutation although it is thought that it may be a par blue mutation as the birds still display some yellow colouration. Where there is yellow colouration in a blue mutation it would be white. The mutation is recessive in inheritance which means both the hen and cock can be split for the mutation. As well as this both the hen and cock may display the mutation visually. 

 

Young birds like this one often show more yellow through the front. 

 Whether it is a blue or par blue, whatever the case the mutation is eye catching and is still in the early stages of being established. I should add that the mutation is being worked on by a very small number of highly experienced breeders who have themselves worked in establishing mutations in the past and or have a great knowledge of genetics. The future of mutation Caique breeding will see this mutation playing a large part as blue mutations combined with other colours such as cinnamon, lutino, grey green etc make great combinations.

A mature bird checking out the camera

Like any other mutation this colour requires out crossing which is currently being undertaken and it will take many years before it becomes more common. They are available for purchase however are still quite rare and attracting a significant amount of money. The future of Caiques has always been bright but it just got a little brighter for these amazing birds.

 

Happy Birdkeeping,
Jade
www.jadewelchbirds.com

Copyright © Jade Welch - All Rights Reserved. All photographs and text are protected
by copyright and may not be reproduced by any method without written permission from Mr Jade Welch.