(Color Explosion in the Diamond Dove)
Oppenborn,G. 1985 Geflugel-Borse #18 p 11

This article was received from D. Rinehart in Ohio back in 1985. It was translated; from the original German article; by W.F. Hollander & printed in the IDS bulletin. Since this article more color mutations have appeared and some understanding of the genetics has occurred.

"In recent years the Diamond Dove has become so popular, and with some new mutations, that a write up has become needed.

In it’s native Australia the 19-20 cm. dove loves the sun, therefore it can’t be considered winter hardy here (Germany).

The first introduction to Europe was in 1868, and into Germany in 1875. In the same year, Dr. K. Russ succeeded in getting the first breeding. Since 1890 they have been bred continuously at the Berlin Zoo. Breeding is relatively simple, and the doves take almost every opportunity to nest. Incubation is 12 to 13 days and the babies get out of the nest at 11 or 12 days. Rearing is usually no problem.

The recognized colors are wild color, silver and brilliant. A new mutant in recent years is the white-rump. The white-rump can be with each of the main colors. Some mixed colors have resulted from unsuitable mating and have been given some unsuitably fantastic names. But such mixed colors should be weeded out because they can’t be successful in shows.

Further, there are white-tailed and white-flighted birds, usually along with the white-rump and in all three colors.

The Isabel color is now fixed and some Isabel birds have a beautiful reddish appearance. Isabel is inherited dominate over brilliant.

All of the above color classes have the normal wing markings, that is, two white round dots on each feather, but there may be instead, tips and lacing.

Then there are pied birds but not yet well marked. They should be fifty-fifty.

Brown (cinnamon), grey, and even yellow varieties are said to exist, but so far only in the rumors – kitchen!

Also so far no pure whites exist. Birds that approach it (white) are only very light brilliants, with red eyes, and their wings still show faint markings.

The diamond dove breeders or at least some of them should be coaxed to prepare a breeding textbook. Then the whys and wherefores could be better understood".

Post script by the editor (Reichenbach): Mixed colors or intermediate patterns or color types result from the combination of non-allelic mutant genes or by selection of changed color types, e.g. the brilliant. Each mutant should be tested with wild type to see whether the segregation occurs according to Mendalian laws, or whether it is irregular.

Post post script: White rump birds have a somewhat lighter ground color than self-colored birds.

Note by W.F. Hollander: silver = dilute?, brilliant = milky?, cinnamon?"