COVER STORY: NATIVE HARDBILLS
SOME of the new mutations of greenfinch are as yet obtainable only in the wild type because of the pattern and depth of colour. I should add that some mutations come out better in the wild-type birds and others in the exhibition-type bird, because this form has more phaeomelanin than the wild type.
This article gives photo examples of certain mutations thatbreeders in Holland and the UK achieve more. By arranging visits during the breeding season and also after the moult, fanciers can figure out what they would like to work with. Or will we have to wait again for fanciers in countries such as Italy and Spain to outdo us once again with greenfinches?!
