Based upon the history of how the Seraphim breed was developed as well as the results of test crosses to determine their genetic makeup, the color genes known to be present in Seraphim are: Recessive Red (or yellow if the dilute gene is present), Satinette Piebald, Dominant White Flight, White-Sides, and some unknown genetic factor(s) that seem to be linked to the White-Sides gene that also turn the tail white, i.e. “tail-whitening” genes. This gene combination is called the “Seraphim Color Gene Complex.” (See articles in the “Genetics” sidebar for details.)

As for visual appearance, Seraphim MUST as juveniles be recessive red or yellow and the color distribution MUST be specifically in the Satinette pattern, i.e., colored wing shields and tail. The head, neck and body are piebald (white), along with the 10 primary flight feathers. The Satinette pattern does not have to be perfect in young birds (it is difficult to breed a perfectly marked Satinette), but the pattern must be apparent. With the first molt, red or yellow feathers are replaced completely with white. Typically, a Seraph is pure white by 9 months of age when it reaches sexual maturity.

The above old archival photo shows a white Seraph cock from the early 1990’s with his juvenile red Satinette offspring. This six-week-old baby is mismarked and overmarked, but you can see that the underlying visual color pattern is Satinette Piebald. The discontinuation of pigment production occurs after juvenile feather formation. All red feathers will be replaced with white with the first molt.

The above 2012 photo of a little Seraph demonstrates the Satinette pattern of the juvenile: red wing shield and tail with white everyplace else. Note that the color is muted compared to the red juvenile in the previous picture due to the presence of the dilute (yellow) gene. The Satinette markings are perfect in this baby – there are no mismarks in the white feathers of the body, neck, and head – but perfection is not required (only desired) in the juvenile color phenotype (appearance), as long as the proper color genotype (the necessary genes for the basic Satinette pattern) is present. You can see this baby is a “lacewing, lace-tail” specimen now, but you won’t be able to tell that in eight months when it has become pure white. The presence of the Satinette pattern in recessive red or yellow confirms the genetic color pedigree of the young Seraph.

When the first molt is complete by 8-9 months of age, the young Seraph will be pure white – as demonstrated in the photo below of the baby from the above photo taken at the Des Moines ISPA Show eight months later. The transformation to white in Seraphim due to the Seraphim Color Gene Complex is what is different about the white of Seraphim. There is no transition period; no gradual or progressive change to white over successive molts – it is immediate with the first molt. 

The bird above demonstrates the structural requirements for Seraphim today. The flights and tail must be long, the frill is expected to be huge, the peak must be a fine point and rest lower than the top of the skull, the mane must make a perfect line in the back, the swoop must be deep, the toes must be finely feathered to the ends. the wing butts must be held away from the chest, the posture must be upright, and the shoulders must be concave. This is a particularly beautiful show quality Seraph.

As Seraphim are a work of art, structure matters above all. But, yes, even though the adult is pure white, color does matter in Seraphim, as it confirms the underlying presence of the Seraphim Color Gene Complex in the young bird. The initial color must appear with original quill formation in the nest, it must be recessive red or yellow, the pattern of color distribution must be Satinette, and the color must vanish and be completely replaced by white with the first molt.

Seraphim are a unique breed defined by their color genetics and the results of decades of selective breeding which has changed feather length, posture, body shape, skull shape, and feather ornamentation. They are considered one of the most visually exquisite breeds of Fancy Show Pigeon today. They were designed specifically to be fancy works of art. They are not performance birds – they are meant to be admired. The decades long process to create their angelic and regal appearance while yet maintaining their strong natural constitution was an arduous combined artistic/scientific endeavor requiring the input and help of many experts.

David Coster