The first developed budgie mutation, Dilute, was discovered in 1872 within a wild flock of budgies. After being brought into captivity, it quickly became common in aviaries around the world. Birds with this mutation have diluted coloration, fading out markings and body color to around 80%. Dilution is not always consistent, however, as some birds may be above or below this percentage. It is sometimes called “yellow”, and when crossed with blue, “white”. Dilute was later discovered to be one of three allelic mutations sharing the same dilution gene.
Interestingly, the mutants that were so popular in the 1800s and early 1900s were a variety of the current Dilute called “light yellow” or “buttercup yellow” (pictured third). These yellows were slightly lighter and lacked the faded chin markings we see in modern-day Dilutes. Although it is unclear what happened to this variety, it’s likely that the less diluted members of our current population quietly replaced them.
The first pictured dilute is crossed with opaline.
