Is this a blue mutation mask?

[HeatherH]

Just wondering if this looks like a blue mutation mask or a hybrid between a mask and a peach? I ask because the women selling has sent me pictures of it and its "mate" which is a peach face lovie! I would love to have the mask but I dont want to buy it if its a hybrid!

http://www.pbase.com/kendallann1/image/56461491

[Elle]

Hello Heather,

Do you have other pictures of the bird's front? What I see from the back is 100% black mask. My other suggestion would be to have a look at HeatherJ's photo albums. You will be able to compare this black mask to hers since you are the only one who has actually seen this little angel in person:) .

Regards,

[HeatherH]

I actually havent seen it in person, just that picture. I mean to me it looks black mask..but I wanted some trained eyes to confirm. She is claiming it is full mask but I always like second opinions!!! :)

[Elle]

I actually havent seen it in person, just that picture. I mean to me it looks black mask..but I wanted some trained eyes to confirm. She is claiming it is full mask but I always like second opinions!!! :)

I understand. :) From what I see, again going only with the picture, it is a black mask. And a pretty one at that! Lets see what the others have to say :D

Regards,

[graushill]

Hi Heather,

From the picture it does like full mask :) . From what I know, hybrids between masks and peachies usually have thinnish eyerings, and their colouring is also a bit "off", don't know how to explain it any better. I don't know either if you can get a blue mutation hybrid, all the ones I've seen are green. They are very beautiful birdies, in my humble opinion, although sterile, not that I'm saying that it's good to let different species breed, as I've heard that beside the offspring being sterile, they can also have personality problems which is sad I think.

Anyway, it does like a beautiful blue mask, with at least one dark factor as far as I can tell :).

Hugs,
Gloria

ETA: I just thought I would add that the hybrids I've seen look more like peachies than masks, for what it's worth

[HeatherH]

thank you very much :)

[Angelwing]

Or, you could show us pictures of this birdies parents.

Looks to be a mask to me, but I'm not an expert on masks.

[kimsbirds]

Very pretty masked lovie...yes...its' all masked, there are no peachface indications there. I'm worried though, about it's "mate" the peachface..hopefully she hasn't let them actually breed and raise young. If they are seperated, generally speaking they will re-pair with other birds, and you can make sure they are of the same species. If you're going to split them, I suggest seperate homes so they can't even hear each other. Yep, meanie I am 8)

[Jezz]

That is definitely a Blue Mask Lovebird, no dark factors, no violet factors. Just regular blue.

Mask x Peachface hybrids look like Peachfaces but they have eye rings, they will have a violet rump, beak is a wierd colour, they will also have a blackish face.
Here are a few links. These are actually Peachface x Fischer but they look similar to a peachface x Mask
http://www.ellen-parrots.com/sammy/sammy_op_tak.gif
http://www.centerforavianrehab.org/More_Pictures/Honey2_09_27_05.JPG

[Mummieeva]

I agree with Kim if you want the mask find his/her mate another home. I would never have a masked and peachfaced in same cage unless both boys.


Steph

[linda040899]

I agree with Jeremy. The lovebird is a Blue Mask, no hybridization visible at all. In the Masked (Personata) species, blue is a naturally occurring mutation rather than the result of a cross with blue from another species. The blue in the Fischer's species came about as a result of a cross between Blue Masks and Fischer's.

[Paulette]

Very Pretty....I guess I didn't realize the blue masks had that vibrant blue rump.

[linda040899]

Actually, the rump coloring is a purplish color. That doesn't mean that the Blue Mask is carrying a gene for violet. It's normal coloring for them.

[LauraO]

I just want to add that if you don't plan on letting the masked and peachie hatch out any babies, there is really no need to separate them. I know I'm mushy, but why separate a bonded pair if you don't have to?