ODD FEATHER COLORS SEEN IN TANGERINE DOVES

The pictures below represent an oddity seen at times in the Tangerine Ringnecks. Recently found also in Orange 9/7/2005. This oddity can be from a light silver grey to black. It can be found in any number of the wing feathers, tail feathers & also in the rump feathers. Since I did some genetic research with Tangerine color in the Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) & the Senegal Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) this facet is also seen in the same areas in these species. I have yet to reproduce it in any offspring from two parents visually showing this grey to black spotting. This odd color spotting does not mean any hidden color gene or some type of genetic deformity is present. The only thing I can state is this oddity is seen in Tangerine colored birds that have the light grey or silver colored flights. I have not seen this facet in any dark grey/silver flights Tangerines.

Many times one sees  "tangerine" or "orange" patches of color within the primary & secondary flight feather webbing or outer edges. Also there may only be a few "flecks" of black or dark grey in the a couple of flight feathers, causing one to think the bird has "bugs" such as pigeon flies or lice. This does not mean any hidden color gene or genetic deformity is present.

First two pictures below are of Tangerine wings; the third picture below is of an Orange wing showing the the inner flight orange spotting.

©John Pire

©John Pire

©John Pire

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