The basic answer it is a colour mutation, in this case a deficiency in the
production of structural blue. Though in this bird it is randomly patchy and
that aspect is not very often shown. The normal green is produced by yellow
pigment combined with structural blue (that means the blue colour produced by
feather structure, rather than pigment). Where the structural blue is absent
(in those patches), the bits that should be green only have the yellow pigment
remaining, to provide the yellow colour. It is basically the same process that
produces an all yellow, rather than mostly green, budgerigar.
Philip
-----Original Message-----
From: Canberrabirds
On Behalf Of
Sent: Saturday, 23 July, 2022 9:02 PM
To: ;
Subject: [Canberrabirds] FW: King Parrot with yellow markings
Hi Barry - I am forwarding your message to COG's chatline and will pass on any
responses that might help with your question. Cheers, Julian Robinson
Chatliners - Any more informed thoughts than I can offer would be appreciated.
-----Original Message-----
From: Barry Millar <>
Sent: Saturday, 23 July 2022 3:57 PM
To:
Subject: King Parrot with yellow markings
This bird is a frequent visitor to our garden in Isabella Plains. Can someone
please explain the bright yellow markings that almost form a solid band across
the wings when fully closed.
Barry Millar
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