Red-crowned Kakariki (Red-fronted Parakeet) colour mutations
6 Red-crowned Kakariki (Red-fronted Parakeet) colour mutations, with the inheritance of each, how it looks, and whether a bird can be split for it.
| Mutation | Inheritance | Looks | Can be split? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon | Sex-linked recessive | Light brownish green; the red eye of the chick darkens before fledging. | Only males can be carriers; the female either shows it or does not carry it |
| Turquoise | Autosomal recessive | Almost entirely sky blue; there is no true blue in the kakariki. | Yes – the male and female can be carriers (split) without it showing |
| Dominant pied | Incomplete dominant | Yellowish/creamy feathers on the rump, flight feathers and tail. | No – appears with one dose (SF) and two doses (DF) in different degrees |
| Recessive pied | Autosomal recessive | More clear patches, light legs and beak. | Yes – the male and female can be carriers (split) without it showing |
| Fallow | Autosomal recessive | Yellowish green with permanent red eyes. | Yes – the male and female can be carriers (split) without it showing |
| Recessive edged (spangle) | Autosomal recessive | Light feather edges. | Yes – the male and female can be carriers (split) without it showing |
The Zajel app has a genetics calculator that shows the expected chick colours of any pair before you pair them.