Colours Standards Oct 2026

Colours & Standards Report – October 2026

There are a number of matters currently being considered by the ANBC Colours & Standards Committee. Several important projects are continuing to progress.

New Pictorial

Work is continuing towards the development of a new ANBC Pictorial. As part of this process, renowned artist Roy Aplin has been approached to review the proposed suggestions and provide his expertise. Roy has responded positively. Therefore, we are currently working through the details of his involvement.

The Pictorial is an important resource for exhibitors, breeders and judges. For this reason, it is important that any update is approached carefully. It must produce a resource that accurately complements the ANBC Standard.

Cinnamon versus Cinnamonwing Terminology

A formal motion from South Australia has been forwarded to the Colours & Standards Coordinator. This motion proposes that the terminology “Cinnamonwing” be changed to “Cinnamon.” The reasoning behind the proposal is that adopting “Cinnamon” would bring Australian terminology into greater alignment with that used internationally. Now, the matter will be considered by the Colours & Standards group as part of its ongoing review of terminology and standards.

Darkwing Standard

Good progress continues to be made on the Darkwing Standard. A small group of variety experts, guided by the National Judges Coordinator, has been working through several aspects of the standard.

Particular attention has been given to the variety combinations that should be permitted and how these should be recognised within the Standard. However, the group has made significant progress. Its recommendations will shortly be considered by Colours & Standards, with a view to updating and clarifying the existing Darkwing Standard.

Spangle Melanistic

The Colours & Standards group is also continuing to review breeding results associated with the Spangle Melanistic. One of the biggest challenges remains the amount of documented breeding information available. Yet, practical breeding results are extremely valuable in helping Colours & Standards better understand how these birds reproduce. This information also helps determine whether consistent patterns are emerging.

Breeders working with the Spangle Melanistic are therefore strongly encouraged to document their matings and subsequent breeding outcomes and forward this information to their State Colours & Standards representative. Details such as the varieties involved in the mating, visual characteristics of the parents and the resulting offspring can all contribute valuable information.

The greater the level of information supplied by breeders around Australia, the better positioned Colours & Standards will be to assess the variety based on practical breeding evidence.

 

There continues to be plenty happening within Colours & Standards, and further updates will be provided as these matters progress.

Peter Thurn
ANBC Colours & Standards Coordinator