Street pigeon unusual colour

[Johannes]

I often have my sandwich, at lunch time, in the park surrounded by the local feral pigeons. They are fascinating to watch and look out for. Sometimes I see the odd bird I wish I could grab hold of and take home. Here’s one I saw to day. I understand the black feet tell me something about the V gene but I’m lost as to the name of this colour. The brown/red (I know the word brown has to be used carefully) is unusual. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I thought the whole bird was very dark.

[octavian]

i think it is tiger grizzle in juvenile feathers

[Johannes]

Thank you. Not sure it survived it looked pretty weak.

[AdamArcher]

It is a very young bird in it's baby feathers - It'll change a lot over the next few months.

The black feet are caused by the dirty gene (V). They'll revert to the normal red/orange as the bird grows.