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Eye Color

Donnie Zehr
Donnie Zehr Mar 23, 26
Eye Color
Eye Color (1) Eye Color (2)
Eye Color (3)

Eye color in birds is a diverse trait often used for intraspecific signaling, serving as a key indicator of age, sex, mate quality, or breeding status. While dark brown is most common, varied colors (red, yellow, white) frequently indicate maturity or hormonal changes during the breeding season. 

Key Meanings of Bird Eye Color:

  • Age and Maturity: Many birds, such as Bald Eagles and various hawks, have brown or dark eyes as juveniles, which turn bright yellow or red as they reach sexual maturity.
  • Mate Quality and Sex: Bright, vivid eye colors can signal good health and high-quality genes. In some species, eye color differs between sexes, such as the bright yellow-eyed male and brown-eyed female Brewer's Blackbirds.
  • Breeding Status: Some birds change eye color during the breeding season. For example, Brown Pelicans' eyes shift from brown to blue, and some herons' eyes become redder due to increased blood flow (hormonal changes) during breeding.
  • Diurnal vs. Nocturnal Activity: Eye color can indicate activity patterns, particularly in owls, where dark eyes often indicate strictly nocturnal habits, while yellow-eyed owls are often active during the day (diurnal) or twilight (crepuscular).
  • Species Identification: Unique eye colors help birds identify potential mates of the same species
History #Breeding #Genetics
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Testimonials

Pam please tell Donnie these Hansennes do indeed have a lot of class.  Large wings like I've never seen like maybe on a duck or owl.  They have a lovely prance, and their Roman noses takes the cake.  Love it!  Keep up the good breeding Donnie.

Anthimos

Dear Don,

Just sending a gift for my appreciation for getting such nice Sion birds from you.  When I get some youngsters from them, I will send you some photos.  I am still planning on purchase another hen and cock.  Have a good breeding season with your birds.

Joe

Received birds this morning here in Missouri.  They are safe and both beautiful.

David

Beautiful female pigeon.  Lovely mix of colors, fether quality and great posture.  I figured her picture wasn't the best pose.  The male is impressive and very masculine looking and I'm happy to say they are calm and get along very well together.  Thanks again they are gorgeous....

Anthimos

The birds arrived today got them all tucked in the loft. You saved the best for last I think there nice birds ,,only sorry I didn't buy a couple of the other hens.  Thanks alot

Carl

Hello.  I received the birds today they look great.  Thank you very much.

Thomas

The Hen is here! Awesome bird & I can feel the power just holding her.  She is very calm pigeon & that is always a plus.  Thanks so much!

Frank

Hi this is Nate from Wisconsin.  I just wanted to let you know the Andalusian cockbird made it here in good shape today.  Thanks again!

Nate

Hi Don, birds are adapting well.  I like their presentaion & calmness.  Looks like they will fit in with my birds.  I see what you mean about the BB.  We'll see how he produces.  Might b a genetic thing & go away when crossed with and unrelated hen.

Regards

Jim

Jim

Halo! Just picked up bird from post office.  Thank you very much!

Mike

Thank you very much  for your attention.  the pigeons are beautiful and eat well.  Im recommending your pigeons to my friends.  I hope to buy more pigeons from you in the future.  Thank you.

Jose

Arrived early and in perfect condition.  I have 8 favorites.

John
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