When I first began to learn about color genetics in pigeons, I felt I was gaining in knowledge until I started talking to some veteran flyers and showmen...They began talking about "chocolates"... "silvers".... "ochre tris"....  and many more colors that weren't even listed in the genetics books... I was puzzled!!! Then I learned that within the circles of certain breeds, certain colors had adopted names that were specific to a breed. Talk about complicated!!! Below I will try to clarify certain "slang" terms within the pigeon world.  If you would like to contribute to this list.. please contact me.

Mealy = Ash Red Bar

Cream = Dilute Ash Red bar

Silver = Dilute Blue Bar

Dun = Dilute Black

Silver (Kings) = Brown Bar

Chocolate (Homers) = This term is used for many colors??

Opal = Usually Dominant Opal

Ochre Tri (Modenas) = Dilute Brown Check

Tri (Modenas) = Check Pattern

Silver Dun (Modenas) = Brown Bar

Silver Cream (Modenas) = Dilute Brown Bar

Russet Tri (Modenas) = Brown Check

Sulphur Tri (Modenas) = Dilute Blue Check

Argent (Modenas) = Toy Stencil

Magnani (Modenas) = Almond

Lavender = Milky

* * * * *

Autosomal Pattern Genes

CT - T pattern

C - Check

(+) - bar (Wild type)

c - barless

Autosomal Color Modifying Genes

G - Grizzle

S - Spread

e - Recessive Red

o - Recessive Opal

Od - Dominant Opal

my - Milky

sy -  Smokey

In - Indigo

g - Gazzi

Many of these genes or factors can be combined to create your masterpiece. Those using genetic nomenclature, will use these symbols as a shortcut. Note that Capital letters represent dominant characteristics, while small case letters represent recessive genes.

Examples:

BAdr    -    dilute reduced ash red

StF//+    -    Heterzygous Faded Cock

The possibilities are endless and FUN!