There is something about bright white animals that really fascinates us. From snowy owls to white tigers, we can’t help but take extra notice, and when that icy white appears in an unusual place, it can be even more striking.
When that white is set off by a pop of another bold color, then we’re looking at something extra special.
RELATED STORIES
When I say the name “Silver Diamond Firetail” you probably think of a creature from *Harry Potter*.
Or Tolkien, if you’re of an older generation.
But this pretty white bird with a silvery chest and patch of bright red on its tail is very much real.
It’s actually a rare silver mutation of a Diamond Firetail.
These Australian finches have a very striking mix of black and white spots, brown wings, and a bright red patch above their tail.
In the wild, you only really ever see the common coloring.
However, in captivity a number of recessive genes have been successfully brought out through careful breeding.
This has created variants such as the Yellow Diamond Firetail, which has golden yellow-orange patches instead of red, Pied Firetails, with more white spots, Fawn Firetails, and the prized Silver variant.
An all white mutation also exists, but sadly, those birds don’t survive very long.
Firetails aren’t currently considered threatened in the wild, though their population is declining.
They are also popular in aviaries, since they are tiny and pretty, and mostly get along well with many other bird species.
