Kirjavoitunut

Kirjavoitunut is a Finnish adjective used to describe organisms whose coloration is variegated, consisting of patches of different colors rather than a solid hue. The term is commonly applied to animal coats and bird plumage, but can also describe variegated leaves or other patterned forms in biology. Etymologically, it is formed from kirjava (variegated) with the suffix -oitunut, indicating a state or condition.

In practice, kirjavoitunut patterns present as irregular patches or blotches of contrasting colors. The patches may be white against a darker base, or intermingled areas of two or more colors. The specific pattern varies by species and individual, and the term is widely used in field guides, breeding records, and hobbyist descriptions to distinguish non-solid coloration from solid forms.

Genetically, variegation often results from the differential distribution of pigment-producing cells during development, mosaicism, or specific pigment-related alleles. Depending on the species, kirjavoitunut individuals may be described as pied, patched, or mottled in common English terminology.

In Finnish scientific and common-language usage, the concept is linked to kirjavuus (variegation) and kirjava väri. The term is neutral and descriptive, avoiding judgments about desirability or rarity.