Beige
HISTORY: In 1988 Mr Gordon Lomas, Cessnock NSW, bred a creamish hen, which was viewed by some as a light Fawn. In 1989 Mr Bruce Whiting obtained this hen and subsequently reproduced the Beige. At the same time Mr Gilbert Bunn & Mr Paul Clarke had, independently, produced Beiges from mating's with Slate & Fawn. In 1995 the Federation of Zebra Finch Societies Australia accepted the Beige standard.
It is possible the Beige appeared earlier but were dismissed as being light Fawns.
GENETICS: RECESSIVE (SEX-LINKED)
- Beige x Beige = Beige cocks and hens
- Beige x Fawn = Fawn/beige cocks and hens
- Beige x Fawn/beige = Beige & Fawn/beige cocks and hens
- Fawn x Fawn/beige = Fawn & Fawn/beige cocks and hens *
- Fawn/beige x Fawn/beige = Fawn, Beige & Fawn/beige cocks and hens *
Reverse matings of the above will give the same results
* This mating is not recommended as it is visually impossible to detect which Fawns are pure.
NB. Matings with Grey &/or Slate will produce Grey, Slate, Fawn &/or Beige.
SHOW FAULTS:
COCK
- Body colour too light
- Markings too dark
- Minimal wing ‘mealing’ (cocks and hens)
HEN
- Body colour too light
AVAILABILITY: Low
GENERAL: Beige is the result of combining the sex-linked Fawn and the 'recessive dilute' factor; hence when Beige are mated to Grey and Slate, Fawns are often produced. Unfortunately few Beiges are produced; being similar to light Fawns/dark Dark Creams most are unable to detect the subtle differences. Beige, having come through Fawns, often carry very good type.
SHOW STANDARD:
COCK
- Eyes - Dark
- Beak - Red
- Feet & Legs - Orange
- Head, neck & wings - Beige
- Underparts - White to buff near vent
- Tear Drop - Light brown
- Face Area - White
- Breast Bar - Light brown
- Cheek Lobes - Orange-brown
- Throat & Upper Breast - Beige, with light brown lines
- Side Flanks - Reddish-brown, with white spots
- Tail Coverts - Light brown, with white bars
- Tail - 2 shade lighter than coverts
- Rump - White
HEN
- As for cock, except all cock markings replaced by beige.
- Beak - Reddish-orange
- Rump - Off-white