Elegant Goldfinch – satin finish

Description:

The satin factor is sex-linked and recessive.

I was fortunate enough to observe a female satin specimen for the first time at Rudy DRIESMANS’s in the 1980s. This female was of a markedly different type from the satin factor we see in breeding programmes today. (See photo in ALBUM). It is a very striking mutation, and particularly beautiful. The mask is emphasised, as are the wing mirrors. The eye pigment is also affected by the satin factor, so the eyes are reddish-brown. Some birds are very sensitive to light.
The male pictured here is spectacular. The mask pattern is irregular (perhaps due to the way it was held for the photo?), but it is a beautiful bird.

Gallery