One of the three fallow budgie mutations, German Fallow was discovered in 1932 just two years after the first fallow in Australia. Birds with German Fallow have ruby-red eyes slightly darker than a Lutino’s, with white iris rings, cinnamon-like markings, an orange beak, and mostly removed body color. The male’s cere color remains pink or faded purple, even at maturity. Interestingly, their eyes are known to be plum-colored upon hatching but switch as the bird develops. A theory exists that they share a gene with NSL Lutino, but whether this is accurate is unknown. Of the four mutations, the term “fallow” was first applied to German Fallows. Pictured first is a regular German Fallow, followed by a Cobalt and Sky Blue + German Fallow.
The original fallow found in Australia was continually bred and formed a mutation now called Australian Fallow (pictured third + Goldenface and Opaline). However, due their identical appearance to German Fallow, they are often considered to be one in the same. The two have not been test bred, so it has yet to be proven if they are different.
Japanese Fallow is another type of fallow believed to be identical to German Fallow, though combined with Yellowface and Crested mutations.
