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Copyright © Linda S. Rubin | CockatielsPlusParrots.com
Genetic Questions
The Whiteface Lutnio
aka "Albino"

©2006 Linda S. Rubin

CF Genetics Consultant  & Panel Judge
“All Rights Reserved” by Author.
Written permission from author required for reprints.
photo c. 2006 Suzanne Ravaillion
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QUESTION
I am trying to figure out what color and sex the babies are that I have in a clutch where the female is Lutino Pearl split to
Whiteface and the father is an "Albino."
Thank you,
Jessica Caldwell


ANSWER
In order to understand the term "Albino," and the following equation, we must first understand the terminology. In cockatiels,
we have yet to produce a true, spontaneous Albino mutation. Rather, what we have is a cross between two primary
mutations, the recessive Whiteface, with the sex-linked Lutino mutation in the same bird. This Whiteface Lutino, which is the
actual name of the mutation, is sometimes loosely referred to as "Albino," because the phenotype or outward physical
appearance does mimic what we would expect an Albino to look like, an all white bird with red eyes and pink feet and beak.

However, when charting genetic expectations, we have no gene for "Albino," because as a single mutation, it does not exist.
We must therefore use the correct genotype, Whiteface (ww) and Lutino (LL), to indicate the visual cross mutation
(Whiteface Lutino) so that we can determine the genetic offspring in our table of expectations.

Although cockatiel fanciers may use terms such as "Albino" when describing these birds, it is prudent to be aware that
using these misnomers will add to the confusion in the future, should a true Albino mutation arises spontaneously as a true
primary mutation. The occurrence of a true, spontaneous Albino occurring some time in the future is a real possibility.

The charting of offspring for a Lutino Pearl split Whiteface hen, to a Whiteface Lutino male, will produce the following
gametes as listed below. Statistically, there is a one in four possibility of producing any of the following:


25% Whiteface Lutino split Pearl males  
(Gametes = XL X LP  - ww)

25% Lutino split Whiteface and Pearl males
(Gametes = XL  X LP – nw)

25% Whiteface Lutino females
(Gametes = XL Y - ww)

25%  Lutino split Whiteface females
(Gametes = XL Y – nw)


It must be remembered that the above percentages are based on every 100 chicks produced over a lifetime of production. It
is not unusual to find several of one particular possibility, e.g., two Whiteface Lutino females and perhaps no Whiteface
Lutino split Pearl males in the first nest, and then the reverse in a future nest. The percentages will eventually even out to the
above predictions over time with the more chicks produced. (Note: it is important to insert here that pairs should never be
over-bred and must be adequately rested between clutches, raising only two clutches per season optimum. Please refer to
the Breeding Articles of the Article Archives for further information).


Linda S. Rubin