Archangel (pigeon)

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The Archangel is a breed of Rock Pigeon, Columba livia, notable for the metallic sheen of its feathers. It is kept as an ornamental or fancy breed, valued for its unusual appearance. Archangels are small, weighing about 12 oz. They have unfeathered legs and dark orange eyes. They may or may not be crested. The body of the bird is bronze with wings that are either black, white, or blue.

The origin of the breed is unknown, but it is likely very old. Breeders maintain consistency whithin the breed by following the breed standard.

[edit] Standard

• Element Characteristics:
  • Head: Lightly curved, longish and narrow with a fairly flat frontal. The crest develops from the back of the shoulders and runs up to the apex, and here developing into a sharp conical point upon the head. The feathers from both sides of the shoulders converge together into a ridge or niche which runs up the back of the neck to form the crest.
  • Eyes: Very vivid, the iris is dark orange in color and is surrounded by a very slightly developed cere which is light pink to flesh in coloration.
  • Beak: Long thin and straight, the upper beak being slightly curved at the tip. The color the beak is light horn which becomes darker close to the tip.
  • Neck: Fairly long and comparatively thin. The throat is well rounded out.
  • Breast: Moderately wide and slightly pronounced.
  • Back: Sloping down and blending well into the tail.
  • Wings: Moderately long, tightly closed and lying nicely upon the tail without crossing. The tips should not extend to the end of the tail.
  • Tail: Long and narrow, tightly closed, being slightly longer than the flights. The tail must not be carried too low as to touch the ground.

[edit] See also

• List of pigeon breeds