What mutation is this?

[Sonicsbuddy]

I just got this beauty yesterday, she/he was hatched 9/18/15. Was just curious what the color was called.

 

[JuliaGrace]

That little beauty is a White face mutation.

Here is my source!
Cockatiel Mutations pictures

 

[SilverSage]

For sure: white face pearl pied.
Possibly also: cinnamon, silver, or fallow. Hard to tell in that lighting. Could you get a clear picture in natural lighting?

 

[Sonicsbuddy]

I bought her at a bird store, the owner told me the breeder whom she got her cockatiels from said the bird had to be female based on her mutation. I had never heard of that... it makes some sense if it's a sex linked mutation I suppose. This is my first cockatiel, but I have had budgies and Quakers before. The sex isn't all that important to me as I'm not breeding this bird, but I would like to know just for grins.... if any of you know with a good amount of certainty that this mutation only throws off females, I will save the effort of a DNA test... Thank you for any insight you can share with me.

 

[MosaicMadness]

If the dad was a pearl and the mom was any other color, the pearl offspring would be female.

A very pretty bird.

 

[Allee]

What a beautiful cockatiel! Congrats!

 

[SilverSage]

By knowing the mutations of the parents you can narrow it down. If the mother is not a pearl, then your bird is female. If the mother is female, then you need a DNA test, unless the bird is cinnamon, and then you have the same situation again; if the mother isn't cinnamon, the. Your bird is female. But it is very hard to tell from the picture.

 

[Sonicsbuddy]

Hope this is a better picture. Thanks again for any ideas on the color name, and if it's for sure female.

 

[Sonicsbuddy]

One more of her side...

 

[SilverSage]

It's impossible to tell in that lighting, can you get a picture in natural lighting?

Honestly, a DNA test is simple and cheap, and a good idea.

 

[BirdLover80]

For sure: white face pearl pied.
Possibly also: cinnamon

Would be an accurate statement. I actually had a female cockatiel that looked identical to yours. What a beaut!

 

[Sonicsbuddy]

I have ordered a DNA kit from avian biotech. This is my first cockatiel, I have had parrots before though. The main reason I want to know is the chronic egg laying that I have heard they are prone to. S/he is still very young, just over 3 months old now. This bird is a sweetheart. I lost my Quaker recently so perhaps I'm a bit paranoid right now. Though I was told by the vet he died from a congenital heart defect that caused a heart attack. Still I'm being over protective of this little one whom I have not named yet. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to give me their input!!!! Thanks!!!

 

[SilverSage]

You are wise to start thinking about egg laying ahead of time. However, rather than just worrying about it, I suggest you take proactive steps toward preventing hormonal behavior before it starts. I personally had a female cockatiel who laid herself literally to death when I was a child, so I take this seriously. I wrote the article I am linking below more for people who already have a bird exhibiting such behaviors, but go ahead and give it a read

Handling Hormones ? Silver Sage Aviaries

 

[Sonicsbuddy]

Thank you for the read. Frankly, this is why I prefer male birds.... they have hormones too (been there) but, they don't have the life threatening issues of egg binding, or laying eggs to the point of mineral depletion. I will love and care for this bird no matter what, but I'm hoping for a boy. Though I think it really is female. Not much whistle or noise, and s/he bit me harder than I've ever been bitten, even the Quakers didn't bite me that hard!!! Had to trim the nails, s/he didn't like it at all. Also barring under the tail, though I don't think they are old enough to have had their first molt so the barring may not mean anything yet. Is it true females bite harder?

 

[Sonicsbuddy]

So here are some pics in sunlight, it's just warm enough to take her out.

 

[SilverSage]

In a bird that young, even males will be barred. Also, the pied mutation males can keep their bars permenantly. Do let us know the results!

 

[MonicaMc]

Looks like a cinnamon pearl pied whiteface to me. Same mutation as my first tiel, except she's not a whiteface!

 

[Sonicsbuddy]

So I got the DNA results today, we have a FEMALE!!!!!

 

[MonicaMc]

Congrats on a girl!!!!!!! I was thinking you might have a little hen there!