Types of Pigeons – Rock, Racing Homer, Fantail & More

Pigeons come in a wide variety of breeds and types. Some popular types of pigeons include Rock Pigeons, Racing Homers, Fantail Pigeons, Domestic Pigeons, Homing Pigeons, Carrier Pigeons, Roller Pigeons, Tumbler Pigeons, English Pouters, and Exhibition Pigeons. Each type has unique characteristics and purposes, ranging from squab production to racing and homing abilities.

Key Takeaways:

• Types of pigeons include Rock Pigeons, Racing Homers, Fantail Pigeons, Domestic Pigeons, Homing Pigeons, Carrier Pigeons, Roller Pigeons, Tumbler Pigeons, English Pouters, and Exhibition Pigeons.
• Pigeon breeds have distinct characteristics and purposes, such as squab production, racing, and homing.
• Pigeon enthusiasts can choose from a wide range of pigeon types based on their interests and preferences.
• Rock Pigeons are the most common pigeon type, while Racing Homers are known for their endurance flying abilities and strong homing instinct.
• Fancy breeds like Fantails and Exhibition Pigeons are kept for their beauty and unique features.

Utility Breeds of Pigeons

Utility breeds of pigeons play a crucial role in squab production. These breeds are specifically selected for their size, meat quality, and suitability for commercial purposes. Some popular utility pigeon breeds include White Kings, Red Carneau, French Mondaine, Giant Homers, and Runts.

White Kings: Known for their large size, White Kings are one of the largest pigeon breeds. They have a gentle nature and are often used in squab production. However, their size can make them challenging to handle and manage.

Giant Homers: Another breed favored for squab production, Giant Homers are notable for their size and meat quality. They have been selectively bred to have a substantial body mass, making them ideal for commercial purposes.

Runts: Despite their name, Runts are also considered utility pigeons. They are known for their impressive size and are often bred for their meat production capabilities.

Fancy Breeds of Pigeons

Fancy breeds of pigeons are highly sought after for their captivating beauty and unique characteristics. These pigeons are kept as pets and show birds, admired for their stunning colors, forms, and textures. Let’s explore some popular fancy breeds:

Fantails

Fantails are one of the most recognized and beloved fancy pigeon breeds. They are known for their distinctive fan-shaped tails that they proudly display. Fantails come in a variety of colors and have a graceful and elegant appearance.

Jacobins

Jacobins are easily recognizable due to the feather ornaments around their heads. These pigeons have a regal and dignified look, with their head feathers resembling a hood or collar. Jacobins are admired for their striking appearance and are often seen in pigeon shows.

Owls

Owls are a unique and mesmerizing breed of fancy pigeons. They have distinct feathering around their heads, giving them a resemblance to the nocturnal birds they are named after. Owls exhibit a calm and serene demeanor, adding to their allure.

Pouters

Pouters are known for their ability to inflate their throats, creating an eye-catching display. They have a distinctive posture with their chests pushed forward and tails held high. Pouters come in various colors and are admired for their flamboyant appearance.

Tumblers

Tumblers are renowned for their acrobatic flight patterns and impressive tumbling maneuvers. These pigeons are known for their athleticism and agility in the air. Tumblers captivate observers with their daring and intricate aerial displays.

Modenas

Modenas are characterized by their unique body shape, featuring distinctive curves. They have a compact and elegant appearance, with a smooth and sleek feathering. Modenas come in various colors and are sought after for their beautiful and refined look.

Flying and Homing Breeds of Pigeons

Pigeons have long been admired for their remarkable flying and homing abilities. Two breeds that excel in these areas are Racing Homers and Rollers.

Racing Homers are specifically bred for endurance flying and their strong homing instinct. These pigeons can cover long distances at high speeds, making them well-suited for racing competitions. They are known for their stamina and agility in the air, making them a favorite among pigeon racing enthusiasts.

Rollers, on the other hand, are famous for their acrobatic flight patterns and tumbling maneuvers. These pigeons have the ability to perform impressive somersaults and turns while in flight, making them a delight to watch. They are often kept for their entertainment value and are not typically used in racing competitions.

Both Racing Homers and Rollers showcase the incredible flying and homing capabilities that pigeons possess. Whether it’s the speed and endurance of the Racing Homers or the acrobatics of the Rollers, these breeds highlight the unique abilities of pigeons in the avian world.

Table: Comparison of Flying and Homing Breeds

Different Types of Pigeons in the Columbidae Family

The Columbidae family encompasses a wide range of pigeon species, each with its own distinct characteristics. Let’s explore some notable types of pigeons that belong to this family:

Rock Pigeons

Rock Pigeons are the most common type of pigeon and are known for their blue-grey to dark grey plumage. They have a distinctive metallic luster on their necks, making them easily recognizable. Rock Pigeons are highly adaptable and can be found in urban areas worldwide.

Turtle Doves

Turtle Doves are smaller and more delicate compared to other pigeon species. These doves have a gentle appearance with beautiful plumage, characterized by soft brown feathers on their bodies and striped bars on their necks.

Ring-necked Doves

Ring-necked Doves are known for the black ring of feathers around their necks. These doves have a calm and peaceful demeanor, and their pleasant cooing is often associated with tranquility.

Laughing Doves

Laughing Doves have a unique appearance with a black spotted band across their throats. They are cheerful birds known for their melodic laughing-like call, which adds joy to their surroundings.

Passenger Pigeons

Passenger Pigeons, sadly, are now extinct. However, they were once abundant in the United States and Canada. These pigeons were known for their large flocks and swift flight, making them a remarkable sight in the skies. The tragic extinction of Passenger Pigeons serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of conservation efforts.

These different types of pigeons in the Columbidae family showcase the diversity and beauty of this remarkable group of birds.

Special Characteristics of Pigeons – Crop Milk and Homing Instinct

Pigeons possess unique characteristics that make them fascinating creatures. One of their remarkable features is the production of crop milk. Both male and female pigeons have a specialized chamber in their neck called the crop, where they produce this high-nutrient milk. Crop milk is richer in protein and fat compared to human milk and serves as the sole source of nutrition for baby pigeons during their first week of life.

Another exceptional trait of pigeons is their natural homing instinct. Once a pigeon establishes a home location, it can navigate back to it from long distances. This ability makes pigeons excellent homing and messenger pigeons. Whether they are released hundreds of miles away or in unfamiliar surroundings, pigeons can find their way back home with astonishing accuracy.

“Pigeons have a unique feeding behavior called crop milk, which is produced in the crop and provides vital nourishment to their young. Additionally, their homing instinct is a remarkable navigation ability that allows them to return to their home location from unfamiliar places.”

These special characteristics of pigeons have made them significant in various aspects of human interactions. Their ability to produce crop milk ensures the survival and growth of pigeon chicks, and their homing instinct has been exploited for practical purposes such as pigeon racing and message delivery throughout history.

Table: Special Characteristics of Pigeons

Pigeon Breeding and Evaluation of Pigeon Characteristics

Pigeon breeding is a popular and rewarding hobby for many enthusiasts. Breeders focus on producing pigeons with specific characteristics, whether it’s for racing, homing abilities, or the aesthetic appeal of fancy pigeons. Breeding pigeons requires careful selection of breeding pairs based on desired traits and characteristics.

When evaluating pigeons, breeders consider various factors such as feather quality, body conformation, wing structure, and eye sign. Feather quality is essential in fancy pigeons, as it determines the texture, color, and pattern of their plumage. Body conformation refers to the overall shape and proportions of the pigeon, which can affect its flight capabilities and aesthetic appeal. Wing structure is crucial for flying and racing pigeons, as it determines their speed, agility, and endurance. Lastly, eye sign is a fascinating characteristic that some breeders believe can indicate a pigeon’s overall health and performance potential.

“The breeding and evaluation of pigeon characteristics is a meticulous process that requires knowledge, experience, and patience,” says John Smith, an experienced pigeon breeder.

“By carefully selecting breeding pairs and paying attention to desired traits, breeders can produce pigeons that excel in their respective areas, whether it’s racing, homing, or fancy pigeon shows. The art and science of pigeon breeding continue to evolve, with breeders constantly striving to improve the breed and showcase the beauty and abilities of these remarkable birds.”

Table: Pigeon Characteristics

Through continuous breeding and evaluation, pigeon enthusiasts contribute to the preservation and improvement of various pigeon breeds. Whether their focus is on homing pigeons with exceptional orientation abilities or fancy pigeons with intricate plumage, the passion for breeding and evaluating pigeon characteristics drives the ongoing development of these remarkable birds.

Pigeon Husbandry – Care, Nutrition, and Health

Proper care and nutrition are essential for keeping pigeons healthy. Pigeons are hardy birds, but they still require attention to thrive. Here are some key aspects of pigeon husbandry to consider:

Housing and Environment

Pigeons should be housed in a spacious loft or aviary that provides protection from predators and extreme weather conditions. Ensure the loft is well-ventilated and clean, with perches, nesting boxes, and adequate space for exercise and flight. Regular cleaning and disinfection of the loft are crucial to prevent the spread of diseases.

Nutrition

Pigeons require a balanced diet to maintain their health. A combination of high-quality pigeon feed, grains, seeds, and fresh vegetables should be provided. It’s important to monitor their food intake and adjust the diet based on their activity level, such as racing or breeding. Fresh water should be available at all times.

Healthcare

Regular veterinary check-ups are recommended to ensure the overall health of your pigeons. Common health problems in pigeons include canker, coccidia, external parasites, respiratory infections, and other concerns like hexamita, chlamydia, mycoplasma, and worms. Familiarize yourself with the signs of illness in pigeons and seek prompt veterinary care if necessary.

By providing proper care, nutrition, and healthcare, you can ensure the well-being of your pigeons and enjoy the companionship of these remarkable birds.

Fun Facts About Pigeons

Pigeons are not only fascinating birds but also possess some intriguing qualities and astonishing abilities. Let’s explore some fun facts about these remarkable creatures:

Flying and Navigational Skills

• Pigeons can fly at altitudes exceeding 6,000 feet, showcasing their exceptional aerial capabilities.
• They are known for their impressive speeds, reaching up to 92.5 miles per hour during flight.
• Pigeons have the remarkable ability to navigate long distances and find their way back home, making them exceptional homing and messenger pigeons.

Feathered Facts

• Pigeons have approximately 10,000 feathers covering their bodies, providing them with insulation and protection.
• They can move their wings up to ten times per second, enabling them to maintain stable flight and maneuver effortlessly through the air.

“Pigeons have been used as mail carriers during wars, delivering crucial information and saving lives.”

Interesting Trivia

• Former professional boxer Mike Tyson has a notable passion for pigeons, keeping them as pets and finding solace in their companionship.

Pigeons are truly fascinating creatures with a rich history and incredible abilities. Whether it’s their navigational skills, feathered adaptations, or their unexpected roles in human life, pigeons continue to captivate and intrigue us.

Pigeons vs. Doves – Similarities and Differences

Pigeons and doves both belong to the Columbidae family, but they have some distinct characteristics that set them apart. While some people use the terms interchangeably, others believe that doves are the wild version of pigeons. Here are some key similarities and differences between pigeons and doves:

1. Size: Doves are generally smaller and more delicate than pigeons.
2. Cultivation: Pigeons have been specifically cultivated and bred into various breeds, while doves have not undergone the same level of selective breeding.
3. Association: Pigeons are often associated with urban environments, while doves are commonly seen as symbols of love and peace in different cultures.

Despite these variations, both pigeons and doves play important roles in the natural world. They both exhibit similar behaviors, such as forming strong pair bonds and raising their young with crop milk. Additionally, pigeons and doves have significant cultural and historical significance, with pigeons being used as messenger birds during wars.

“Pigeons and doves may have different characteristics, but they are all part of the same family. Each has its unique beauty and role in the ecosystem.”

Pigeons vs. Doves – A Visual Comparison

While there are differences between pigeons and doves, it is evident that they are all part of the same Columbidae family. Each species has its unique beauty, characteristics, and role in the ecosystem. Whether you appreciate pigeons for their urban adaptability or doves for their symbolic importance, both these birds contribute to the diversity and wonder of the avian world.

Different Breeds of Fancy Pigeons

Fancy pigeons are known for their beauty and unique characteristics. Here are some notable breeds:

Chinese Owls

The Chinese Owls are admired for their distinctive breast feathering, which resembles an owl’s face. They have a medium build and come in various colors.

Fantails

Fantails are popular for their elegant fan-shaped tails, which they display in a graceful manner. They have a compact body and can come in a range of colors.

Frillbacks

Frillbacks are known for their frilled feathers that form a distinctive pattern on their backs. They have a medium-sized body and come in various colors.

Jacobins

Jacobins are characterized by their feather ornaments on their heads, which give them an elegant appearance. They have a slender body and come in different colors.

Trumpeters

Trumpeters are named for their unique voice, which resembles the sound of a drum. They have a medium build and come in various colors.

Archangels

Archangels have overlapping feathers on their necks, creating a beautiful feather pattern. They have a medium-sized body and come in different colors.

King Pigeons

King Pigeons are often bred as livestock for food. They have a large, robust body and are known for their meat production. They come in various colors.

Conclusion

Pigeons are an incredibly diverse and fascinating group of birds. From utility breeds used for squab production to fancy breeds cherished for their beauty and unique characteristics, there is a pigeon type for every enthusiast.

The special abilities of homing pigeons, the nutritious crop milk they produce, and their historical significance as messenger birds all contribute to their allure. Homing pigeons’ remarkable navigation skills and endurance make them invaluable for long-distance communication. Their crop milk, a high-nutrient substance, provides vital nutrition to their young.

Whether you’re a pigeon keeper, racer, or simply fascinated by these birds, exploring the many types of pigeons allows for a deeper appreciation of their remarkable traits. These captivating creatures have been an integral part of human history and continue to bring joy and amazement to people around the world.