Green  (= Normal)

Inheritance:  Dominant. Only one parent needs to display this colouring for their offspring to display it.

Details:

All Normal markings are present:

- Cock's back is a rich medium Green with slight iridescence. Hen's back is a less intense Green.

- Cock's breast is intense deep Purple. Hen's breast is a lighter and more subdued Purple.

- Cock's belly is a rich Yellow. Hen's belly is a paler Yellow.

- The head of both sexes can be jet Black, bright Red or Orange (sometimes called "yellow").

- Line around the head is Black in both sexes.

Blue

Inheritance:  Autosomal recessive. Both parents must either display or carry this mutation for their offspring to display it.

Details:

- All Green feathers are replaced by Blue.

- Red and Orange head feathers are replaced by Beige.

- Yellow belly feathers are replaced by Cream or Beige.

Notes:

   - Babies fledge grey-blue.

- Some claim that split Blues can sometimes be identified by those with good colour vision, usually women, by a subtle blue/dull wash through the green feathers.

Seagreen

Inheritance:  Uncertain. Possibly autosomal recessive. Appears to be a parblue. May be acquired.

Details:

- Green feathers replaced by a compromise between Blue and Green - a dark Turquoise.

- Red and Orange head feathers are slightly reduced in intensity.

- Yellow belly feathers are slightly paler.

Pastel, sex-linked  

Note: Pastel Green is often called European Yellow.

Inheritance:  Co-dominant, sex-linked. The Pastel gene causes dilution of any back colour, be it Green, Blue or other variations.

Details:

Hens are always Single Factor (SF):

-  SF Pastel Green hens  appear Yellow. Black markings are replaced by extremely pale Grey or White. Blue markings are replaced by extremely pale Blue-grey or White.

-  SF Pastel Blue hens  appear White or Silver-white. Black markings are replaced by extremely pale Grey or White. Blue markings are replaced by extremely pale Blue-grey or White.

Cocks can be Single Factor (SF) or Double Factor (DF):

-  SF Pastel Green cocks   range from pale Green to Yellow-green. Black markings are replaced by Grey. Blue markings range from pale Blue to extremely pale Blue-grey.

-  DF Pastel Green cocks  appear Yellow. Black markings are replaced by White. Blue markings are replaced by extremely pale Blue-grey or White.

-  SF Pastel Blue cocks  are powder Blue. Black markings are replaced by Grey. Blue markings range from pale Blue to extremely pale Blue-grey.

-  DF Pastel Blue cocks  are Silver-white. Black markings are replaced by White. Blue markings are replaced by extremely pale Blue-grey or White.

Variations:

- White-breasted SF or DF Pastel Green birds display purer Yellow than Purple-breasted birds (similar to Australian Yellow). Blue markings become pale Blue or Blue-grey in SF, and White in DF.

- White-breasted SF or DF Pastel Blue birds appear more Silver or White than Purple-breasted birds. Blue markings become pale Blue or Blue-grey in SF, and White in DF.

Notes:

- Early experience with breeding this mutation lead some to believe that a genetic ‘lethal factor’ exists that causes the death of chicks born to pairings of DF cocks with SF hens. However, as of 2010+ most breeders report no such problems.

- The Dilute mutation, although visually similar to a SF Pastel Green cock, is genetically unrelated. (See below.)

Dilute

Inheritance:  Autosomal recessive. Both parents must either display or carry this mutation for their offspring to display it. 

Details:

- Visually very similar to SF Pastel cocks, although usually a slightly lighter lime Green.

- Breast and belly colours are the same as Normal birds.

- Black head feathers and pencil lines become Grey to very pale Grey.

- Blue markings become extremely pale Blue.

Variations:

Due to the confusing action of the two genes, White-breasted Dilutes show black pencil lines and black head feathers approximating 85% of Normal colouring – i.e. A much darker grey than on Purple-breasted Dilutes!

Notes:

- Babies have reddish eyes – an albinism trait, rather than truly ‘dilute’. Eyes darken with age.

- Juveniles are pale cream.

- A rare mutation. As of 2007 believed to be found in Australia only.

Yellow

 = Australian Yellow 

Inheritance:  Autosomal recessive. Both parents must either display or carry this mutation for their offspring to display it.

Details:

   - Visually similar to White-breasted Pastel Green.

   - All Black markings are replaced by White.

- Purple breast is replaced by White. (Unrelated to the White breast gene!)

   - Mature birds have pure Yellow backs.

- Young birds often have Green variegation across their shoulders and back, and some Grey markings.

Notes:

As of 2007 considered to be unknown outside of Australia, although some birds rumoured to have been found in Europe and the US.

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