FEATURE


Self Pearls This mutation is reported as first appearing in Japan in 1982. They were first imported into Holland in 1999 and then into the UK from Holland a few years later. They are usually described as Chocolate Pearls, a chestnut colour with grey colouring on the head, wings and tail; or Grey pearls when combined with the grey mutation to give birds with differing shades of grey.


Other Colours Other combinations of established colours can produce other attractive varieties, such as grey and whites. Tri-colour Bengalese with chocolate, fawn and white feathering have been produced but have not established.


Crested/Frilled Crested forms were known in the UK during the 1950s. The crest should be as large as possible, radiating from a centre point on the top of the head. They can be any colour, but should be shown as a matched pair – one crested and one


36 BIRD SCENE


non-crested (as they are usually paired for breeding). In Japan in addition to crested birds, frilled birds also appear to be popular. There are various established combinations of crested and frilled feathering. Frizzled birds were imported into Holland from Japan, in the 1974, but the variety did not prove popular. I am not aware if the variety has ever been in the UK.


CONCLUSION The Bengalese finch is a relative inexpensive, attractive and sociable addition to any bird collection, but offers a challenge for anyone wishing to become involved in breeding and exhibiting them. With the wide range of colours available, there is clearly at least one colour that would attract any birdkeeper.


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