Violet parrots typically have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. Determining their purity, or whether they are purebred, involves examining their coloration and understanding the lineage of their parents. Let's delve into these aspects to help you better understand these beautiful birds.
Their average lifespan ranges from 10 to 15 years. Adult violet parrots measure between 30 to 34 centimeters in length and weigh approximately 80 to 100 grams. It's important to note that the lifespan of parrots can vary significantly based on their species. Small parrot breeds typically live for 7 to 20 years, while medium to large parrots can have an average lifespan of 30 to 60 years. Some medium-sized parrots can even live up to 80 years. Violet Lovebirds, specifically, are known for their unique plumage.
The violet color mutation in lovebirds originated in Denmark in 1980. The violet gene fundamentally alters the structure of the medullary sponge area in the feathers, specifically by increasing the diameter of the medullary substance. This alteration enables the feather structure to absorb longer wavelengths of light that it couldn’t previously absorb. This results in the feather displaying a violet hue. A key characteristic of the violet gene is that it causes the rump (lower back) area to turn a bright, vibrant purplish-blue.
How to Determine if a Violet Parrot is Purebred
1. Examine Coloration:
A high purity violet parrot will exhibit a uniform violet color throughout its body. There should be no traces of green feathers, and the top of the head should not display any pale green shades. Essentially, a parrot that primarily displays shades of violet and gray with no green is considered to be high purity. This indicates a strong concentration of the violet gene.
2. Check Parental Purity:
The purity of the offspring is heavily influenced by the purity of its parents. High purity violet parrots can only be produced when both parents are also of high purity. If the parents have mixed coloration or are not purebred, they will not produce offspring that are considered high purity violet parrots. Understanding the lineage is vital for ensuring the bird’s genetic makeup. This means that only breeding from two high-purity birds can guarantee a high-purity offspring. This is because genetic traits are passed down from parents to offspring. Therefore, both parents being high-purity ensures a higher likelihood of the offspring also exhibiting high-purity traits.
By considering both the bird's coloration and the purity of its parents, you can better assess whether a violet parrot is considered a purebred.