Color Mutations

Color Mutations are still "pure" birds. They occur in nature, but often do not survive if the "new color" is too vibrant and they are easily spotted by predators. Color mutations in captivity are perpetuated by breeding like colored birds to like colored birds (of two birds that carry the color gene). The resultant offspring will often be the color that is desired. After many generations, a color mutation can be "magnified" or combined with other colors if they are available in that species. All the color mutations on this page are "pure birds" bred from "pure" species stock. 

Red Pied Severe's Macaw This is a new mutation at Hill Country Aviaries. We have not bred this bird yet, but we have high hopes that it will prove to be a sex-linked inheritance mode since this is a female. Hopefully it will be reproduced here at the ranch in the near future.

Blue Mutation Yellow-Naped Amazon The blue mutation of the Yellow-naped Amazon is a most incredible bird. Found naturally in the wild (Honduras) about 15 years ago, only a few birds were ever imported into the United States, but breeding has been fairly successful and young birds are available from time to time. This mutation remains extremely expensive and desirable. Still a talented talker and mimic, this blue mutation may someday be the "elite" pet bird owner's bird. The breeding pair here at Hill Country is on loan from our good friend Kathleen Szabo of "Luv Them Birds, Inc."

Voren's Mutation Black-capped Conure The "Voren's" Mutation of the Black-capped conure varies alot in color. Here at Hill Country Aviaries we are trying to increase the red color throughout the inside wings and lower abdomen. We have others available with more yellow as well. All are equally as beautiful and they can produce both color forms when bred together. This color mutation was first bred by Howard Voren of Loxahatchee, Florida.

Cinnamon Yellow-Sided Green-cheeked Conure Probably one of the most colorful of the smaller "pet" type birds, this Conure is sure to be popular with the pet owners of tomorrow. This color is still quite "rare" in aviculture, but more and more aviculturists will be producing it now that we understand the genetics behind its production. The color is called "Pineapple" by Steve Garvin of California, but the bird is a combination mutation of Cinnamon and Yellow-sided. It doesn't matter what you call it, she is a real "beauty" of a bird!

Turquoise/Blue Mutation Green-cheeked Conure We don't actually know what to call this mutation. Its not a true blue, as you can see, it has some green mixed in the plumage. Since Richard Cusick calls it a turquoise, that's good enough for us too! It is a nice looking bird, and will soon be available to the public. We have also mixed this color with "Cinnamon" to make a lighter blue bird. Hopefully next year! Photo by Richard Cusick

Cinnamon Mutation Green-cheeked Conure
Cinnamon Mutation Brown-throated Conure

(Left) Mistakenly called the "Fallow" mutation, this color is actually a sex-linked Cinnamon of the Green-cheeked Conure. Now readily available in captivity, this color has formed the basis for many other "lighter" colors of this species, including the beautiful double mutation "Cinnamon Yellow-sided" shown above.



The Cinammon mutation Brown-throated Conure on the right was new to Hill Country Aviaries in 2004.