Pearls

The Pearl Cockatiel mutation comes from another sex-linked recessive gene.  It manifests itself by laced or scallop-edged feathers on most of the body of the cockatiel due to a feather pattern alteration. The gene affects the distribution of the colors already there, and reduces the amount of melanin (dark) and increases the amount of lipochrome (yellow).  The scalloped pattern can vary from thin to thick yellow or white (depending upon the mutation) edges .  Once again the juvenile tiels look identical, resembling the adult female.

As the male Pearl Cockatiel matures and moults, there is an increase in melanin and he appears to lose his pearling.  In some, there are still hints of pearling usually on the back.  In most, they will appear to return to the solid colors (grey, cinnamon, white face, etc.).  When co-existing with the pied mutation, some males do not appear to lose their pearling.  Sometimes it may appear to blur and become less distinctive.  This is something to keep in mind when adopting a juvenile pearl cockatiel without knowing whether it is male or female.

This mutation was developed in captivity and is not found in the wild.  The Pearl Cockatiel is also known as the Laced Cockatiel or the Opaline Cockatiel.