Someone asked in another thread about black copper vs. black. I was preparing a response when that other thread got locked, so here it is --
Quote:
Visually, there is sometimes no difference between the plumage on a true black Marans and a black copper that is simply too dark. And, in fact, sometimes very dark black copper Marans get sold as "black".
Genetically, there is a BIG difference between the two. Black copper birds are "based on" (have the E allele) E(R). This is called the "birchen" allele, and technically black copper birds are gold birchen birds. True black Marans, however, are based on E -- referred to as "extended black".
I *believe* you can get a clue about which E allele the bird has by examining the legs and feet -- but somebody else will have to chime in here, as that is still beyond my range of knowledge!
Quote:
Visually, there is sometimes no difference between the plumage on a true black Marans and a black copper that is simply too dark. And, in fact, sometimes very dark black copper Marans get sold as "black".
Genetically, there is a BIG difference between the two. Black copper birds are "based on" (have the E allele) E(R). This is called the "birchen" allele, and technically black copper birds are gold birchen birds. True black Marans, however, are based on E -- referred to as "extended black".
I *believe* you can get a clue about which E allele the bird has by examining the legs and feet -- but somebody else will have to chime in here, as that is still beyond my range of knowledge!