Welcome to "genetics" for Diamond Doves. The chart shows the expected offspring results from known data. This data assumes the pairs you are breeding are as stated in the diagrams and have no hidden color genes other then what is stated in each diagram.

Scroll down to the animated egg below to link to the Chart.
please read the info on this page before jumping top the chart

Test breeding the mutant color back to the Blue (wild type coloration) is the first step in any genetic analysis. Test breeding the F1 & F2 Blue young back to the "visual mutant color" will prove the existence or non existence of the possible hidden recessive color gene. Using an unrelated bird of the same visual mutant for further test crosses is strongly advised - to keep the vigor of the offspring strong.  Not a lot of F1 test pairing are available for results to prove or disprove any hidden mutant genes. Accurate record keeping is also a must.

Read the following article BASIC PEDIGREE ANALYSIS   for some insight for test breeding

NOTE: some of the colors now being bred in the DD are "combinations of known colors" and the offspring can be one of the several colors or a combination of the colors which are in the makeup of the parent birds.

The expected results do not occur in every single clutch as they are listed in the chart. The expected results may appear with as few as 4 birds or more then 100 young from a single pair. The results are also based on both eggs being fertile, hatching & young living until the mutant can be determined. Single hatches can be records & indicated as such.

The occurrence of sexes within each clutch for all dove/pigeon species which lay two egg clutches have been proven & are stated as follows - Sex ratio: 25% both male; 50% male/female; 25% both female. There are no "sex-linked" colors currently known in DD’s.

The White Rump & White Tail genes are descriptive of the rump & tail areas of the birds. Both colors have a solid white colored rump area. The WR has the typical "white rump" & has colored tail feathers – which can be only the two central tail feathers being tipped with color (usually the "ground/body color). The WT has the typical "white rump" but all solid white feathers in the tail. The WR/WT gene can also affect the ground color & can sometimes alter the "diamond spots" into a "barred/lace" effect or enlarge them to 1/4" in size.

A "modifer" gene is being researched. It is assumed that it affects the White Rump gene into producing the White Tail birds. Two White Rump birds can produce White Tail birds. Likewise two White Tail birds can produce White Rump birds.

NOTE: White Tail birds are only produced from WR/WR; WR/WT or WT/WT pairs – you cannot produce WT birds using any solid colored bird in the pair.

The best way to identify any of the color mutations in DD is by using the OW (open wing) tip. This involves looking at the primary and secondary flight feathers. The color of the edges & the inner webs of these areas will help identify the mutations. Check the OW comparison pictures of the different colors here. Also check out the great "color" comparison pics on Jeff Downing’s web site. Diamonddove.com

I use abbreviations when describing or writing about the various color mutations. Such as: WR/WT. When you see this it means it is being used for the description of either mutant.

WR = White Rump WT = White Tail
(a co-dominate gene with Blue)

Some other abbreviations I use & you may see listed in the chart are BWR, BWT, SWR, SWT, YWR, YWT, CWR,CWT, BrWR, BrWT - the first letter usually signifies the ground (body) color of the bird, B=Blue; S=Silver; C=Cinnamon; Y=Yellow; Br=Brilliant.

A color which is in parenthesis means that color is hidden: example Blue (yellow)

To produce the colors in combination with WR/WT, you must produce the "split" birds & then breed the WR split birds to other same colored splits or back to the visual mutant you want. For example: Yellow White Rump. Using a BWR breed it to a Yellow (either parent can be the BWR): all offspring, both sexes, will carry the "yellow" gene; young will be Blue(yellow) or BWR(yellow). You then breed the BWR(yellow) to a Yellow or another BWR (yellow) – 25% of young will be Yellow WR.

Remember there will always be some color variation within each described color mutant, even within same family lines. All may or may not fit into the written descriptions which are recognized by the ADA & CDA.

Hidden color genes may or may not affect any or all young when in combinations research is ongoing. If you help in this endeavor, keep complete & accurate records on your DD. Then please forward your data & any pictures to IDS & it will be compiled & added.

 
Diamond Dove CHART

                                 
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