The Silver Diamond Firetail Barely Even Looks Real

Meet the silver diamond firetail, a rare variety of native Australian finch that looks like a Christmas angel with flames spilling from beneath its robes. Only the most experienced breeders can reliably produce this variety of the diamond firetail (Stagonopleura guttata), selecting parents that carry the recessive genes that give rise to this almost pearlescent plumage.

Mutations bred in captivity: The plumage should be smooth, clean and tightThe vent should be clean (a wet, dirty vent is caused by diarrhea, which could be a sign of disease)The legs and feet should be free of scaling. The toes should not be overgrown.The Diamond Sparrow should be of a good size (not too small / feeble)The eyes should be clear, bright and the area around the eyes should be dry. Birds with watery eyes are likely sick.Very sick birds usually fluff their feathers up to keep warm and may sit on a perch or the floor with their eyes closed. If they don't move as you approach, they are likely to be close to death.