Black Modifiers

There are currently two proposed black modifier genes in Coturnix quail. Neither have been studied in a scientific setting, and both need more research to confirm they are separate mutations or just two different presentations, as the genes are international.

The first is an Australian mutation dubbed "Onyx", proposed by Tamara Rowsell in 2023. It is suggested to be incomplete dominant black modifier gene that causes the quail to be a slightly darker shade of brown or black. It could explain the overall darker look in some of the Australian lines of Tibetan. Further testing is needed to confirm inheritance and phenotypes.

The second is a gene dubbed "Myrle" in the United States, proposed by Rebecca Lynch in 2023. It has been proven to be a black modifier gene that works on every known gene. It is one of the main components of the black line (2). It changes pattern as well as color (4), and increases the amount of black. On Pharaoh, the males will develop spotting on the breast, and females will have longer spots, almost becoming stripes. On Fawn, the black markings are extended and darkened through the back, but not breast markings. It has been suggested to be incomplete dominant (2)(3), and it is unknown if it is the same gene as Onyx or not (2)(3), though believed to be separate.