Although some observations were made earlier, it was really the telescope that allowed consistent sightings of dark blotches on the sun's surface. (scientificamerican.com)
Other acceptable colors and patterns are brown (also called red); sable (black - tipped hairs on a lighter background); and merle (dark blotches of color on a lighter background of the same color). (canismajor.com)
Deep green and dense burgundy rooster feathers; a white tail feather from a dove; a sparrow feather, dust brown, dotted with dark blotches; and the one of which Pari was proudest, an iridescent green peacock feather with a beautiful large eye at the tip. (bookbrowse.com)