Fancy pigeon

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Fancy pigeons are domesticated varieties of the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia). They are bred by pigeon fanciers for various traits relating to size, shape, color, and behavior.[1] The breeders of these fancy varieties exhibit their birds at pigeon shows, fairs and other livestock exhibits.[2]

Contents

[edit] Pigeon showing

Pigeon fanciers from many different countries enjoy exhibiting their birds at their local or inter state shows and competing against one another for prizes.[1] A typical country show in Australia had hundreds of pigeons on display and prizes for the winners.[3] Some fanciers organize exhibitions exclusively for pigeons and one held each year in Blackpool, England that is run by Royal Pigeon Racing Association was attended by 25,000 people and the £80,000 profit from the show was all donated to charity.[4] The biggest pigeon show of all is held in Nurnberg, Germany which is the location for the German National Pigeon Show, which had over 33,500 (all pigeons) at the 2006 show.[5]

[edit] Major breed families of fancy pigeon

This grouping system is adapted from The Australian Fancy Pigeons book of standards.[6] Where consideration was given to the new UK standards book which followed the German and European grouping. This version differs slightly from that of the European grouping here, but until a worldwide accepted grouping can be worked out the following are arbitrary and solely for organizing breed articles.

[edit] Asian feather and voice pigeons

A Fantail
A Fantail

This group includes as the name suggests, breeds developed for extensive feathering that originated in the Asian region. Also breeds cultivated for their trumpeting (or laughing) voice.

[edit] Colour pigeons

Danish Suabian
Danish Suabian

Most of these originate in Germany and you will sometimes see these listed as German Toys. Many different varieties with a wide selection of colours and markings.

[edit] Frills and Owls

An African Owl
An African Owl

The word "Frill" here relates to the reversed feathering on the chest of these varieties. This group also noted for having short beaks.

[edit] Homer and Hen Pigeons

[edit] Homing Pigeons

German Beauty Homer
German Beauty Homer

This group includes breeds originally developed for their homing ability. Includes show type racing pigeons.

[edit] Hen Pigeons

The birds in this group are referred to as hen pigeons because of their upturned tail which is supposed to resemble a female chicken.

[edit] Pouters and Croppers

A Pigmy Pouter
A Pigmy Pouter

This group includes breeds developed for ability to inflate their crops.

[edit] Exhibition Tumblers

Crested Helmet
Crested Helmet

Originally members of this group were flying/tumbler breeds but have now been refined to such a degree as to be purely ornamental/exhibition breeds.

[edit] Flying Tumblers and Highfliers

Main article: Flying/Sporting Pigeons
Tippler (Light print)
Tippler (Light print)

This group are regarded as dual purpose in that they can be shown but still have acrobatic or sporting ability and can be used in flying competitions. Flying tumbler varieties belong in this group. Although many in this grouping have become primarily show varieties, they are still expected to display characteristics of performing birds.[6]

[edit] Utility pigeons

Main article: Utility pigeon
A red Carneau
A red Carneau

Includes breeds originally developed as meat (squab) producers.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Levi, Wendell (1977). The Pigeon. Sumter, S.C.: Levi Publishing Co, Inc. ISBN 0853900132. 
  2. ^ Blechman, Andrew (2007). Pigeons-The fascinating saga of the world's most revered and reviled bird.. St Lucia, Queensland: University of Queensland Press. ISBN 9780702236419. 
  3. ^ Bird lovers flock to pigeon show (Web article). Wauchope Gazette. Retrieved on 2008-05-22.
  4. ^ Fanciers flock to fund foundation (Web article). Bebden Bridge Times. Retrieved on 2008-05-24.
  5. ^ Child, Brad, “"Pigeon Pals Tour" Part II”, Purebred Pigeon (March/April 2007): 71, 72., <http://www.purebredpigeon.com/> .
  6. ^ a b Seymour, Rev. Colin (Ed)(2006) Australian Fancy Pigeons National Book of Standards.

[edit] See also

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