Mauve pied lovebirds are simply a variation in color and marking of a peachfaced lovebird. Mauve and pied are separate forms of mutation of the color strains of lovebirds. Mutation is in effect a mistake of nature and as peach faced lovebirds originally were recognized by their mainly green bodies, many mutations had to occur to produce the wide range of dramatic colors available today. These mutations first occurred due to the conditions of breeding aviaries to produce birds that were available as pets. These mutations can be caused by inbreeding, high temperatures, exposure to chemicals and problematic genes. These effects have led to a diverse collection of lovebirds available for purchase.

Such color changes have resulted in mauve, Dutch blue and other pied lovebirds. These mutations of color can be extremely interesting and exciting for a breeder as well as profitable, on occasion. Unusual colors and markings can increase the selling price of a lovebird and at present various strains such as mauve pied lovebirds are in increasing demand.

Breeding Mauve Pied Lovebirds

Contrary to some misinformed opinions, mauve pied lovebirds do not occur due to interbreeding different species of lovebird. In fact such interbreeding disturbs the gene pool and can produce ill effects in the offspring such as sterile birds. The mauve pied lovebirds are a color mutation of the peachfaced lovebird and only occur during the breeding of peachfaced lovebirds. As green is the dominant color of these lovebirds, the mutations are caused by changes within the feather structure of the plumage because the green color is caused by a combination of yellow and blue. Changes in the various pigments can lead to the production of mauve pied or a whole host of other lovebird strains depending on the percentage of the blue and yellow pigments that are changed.

Dominant pied effects can lead to yellow blotches, a single white feather or a completely yellow lovebird while retaining normal rump and facial colors. Recessive pied results in an almost completely yellow coloring. Mauve is known as a double dark factor which results in a darkening of the overall body plumage. The combination of mauve and pied can lead to a number of different outcomes depending on the genetic history of the two birds involved. A lot of mauve pied lovebirds have yellow and white colored feathers traced with darker blue and grey colors giving an unusual yet beautiful effect.

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