Peculiar Pigeons
Most people only know pigeons as the gray birds who fly around cities and poop on the statues. Those pigeons are mostly Rock Pigeons and are what our more exotic birds are descended from. In many places of the world hobbyists keep Pigeons as pets and often breed very exotic looking animals, some of which would have poor functionality in the wild.
Archangel
These are also known as Gimpels and are an older breed. They are noted for the metallic sheen on their feathers. Some birds have crested heads, feathers that go upwards instead of down, making for an even more unusual appearance.
Brunner Pouter
This bird does not look like a pigeon at all, rather it looks like a pigeons head stuck on a crows body. It is in the group of pigeons known as “blowers”. The pouters have large chest areas.
English Trumpeter
Truly one of the most fancy looking pigeons, and also one of the most difficult to breed. Ideally they have feathering on their feet, known as muffs, as well as the crest of feathers on their head, and a tuft. They come in a variety of colors.
English Short Face Tumbler
There are many Short Faced Pigeons, and many Tumblers. Clearly short face refers to its odd facial build, and tumbling refers to its style of flight. They roll and can tumble over backwards. Tumblers are a more entertaining bird when given the room to fly.
Fantail
Quite popular, these pigeons have a lovely tail, which is always open. The tail exhibits this shape because it has up to four times as many feathers as a regular birds tail would. They are often used to train the flying birds to return home because they are placed at the home to call to the other birds for their return.
Frillback
These birds feature unusual curling of the feathers that are on their wing shields. This curl should also carry down to their feathers around their feet, known as their muffs. Truly an exotic looking variety.
Helmet
These are white bodied birds with a small patch of color on their head, being their helmet, they also can be crested which really accentuates the helmet itself. Our friend in the photo above is a crested bird.
Jacobin
This bird couldn’t even find a statue to poop on if it tried. With the elongated and upright feathers around its head its vision is very limited. The feathers around its face are known as the “hood” and in some birds can get so extreme you can only see the birds eyes if you are directly infront of the bird.
Reversewing Pouter
Like pretty much every other bird on this list, this isn’t a pigeon you are likely to see in your neighborhood park anytime soon. This variety has brilliant markings but an appearance I otherwise find odd.
Keeping Pigeons
I have only kept pigeons one year, and it appears the trio my wife and I bought were all males. However they are enjoyable birds making pleasant sounds and are fun to watch. They require shelter and room for flight, however should not be set free for at least a month to allow them to bond to your home. Pigeons can range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars.
Related articles:
Keeping Outdoor Pets
Pet Chickens
Breeds of Chickens
Peafowl as Pets
Liked it
15 Responses to “Peculiar Pigeons”
On August 29, 2009 at 4:21 am
Fascinating pictures and a fun post to read. Buy a couple more. Bound to get a hen sooner or later. Are girl pigeons called hens?
On August 29, 2009 at 4:45 am
Wow, I never knew there were so many exotic varieties of pigeons. Great pictures.
On August 29, 2009 at 4:49 am
What amazing birds! I do feel sorry for the ones that look unable to have a normal life though. We had some fantail doves when I was a child – they didn’t last very long though, living in the countryside they just got shot.
On August 29, 2009 at 5:41 am
Beautiful pigeons. I never thought they were any color but the gray. These are quite interesting to look at.
On August 29, 2009 at 8:04 am
Interesting article!
On August 29, 2009 at 9:14 am
Well written. I have given some thought to keeping pigeons since city life does not lend itself to keeping chickens. But sober common-sense asserted itself, and I have decided to wait till I retire, return to the country and keep peacocks.
On August 29, 2009 at 3:25 pm
What a great varitey of different species!
On August 30, 2009 at 12:34 am
Well Written
Interesting
Best Regards
On August 30, 2009 at 7:51 am
Very interesting. I had no idea that pigeons came in so many varieties. The Archangel at the top is very beautiful.
On August 30, 2009 at 1:48 pm
I’m always facinated by watching the behavior of these birds. I learned from your article that they come with more variety than I might have guessed. Thanks.
On August 30, 2009 at 3:31 pm
A fascinating article to read and very beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing.
On August 30, 2009 at 8:31 pm
I like it. nice images. I love pigeons. this is what I love most about going to the beach and sitting there watching them surround me.
On August 31, 2009 at 12:29 am
Even though large varieties herein india whitebreed is much demand due to its beauty with eyes specially . How it coordinates with human and specific place to locate and live with owner really amazing and unbelievable. Like humanrights herein in northindia we use to grow and feed such as a friend of us. Also a myth as such gods messenger.
On September 2, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Pigions are facinating birds, I have never seen any others just like yours. The curly feathered one is different all right.
On September 16, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Sky Rats!
Post Comment