Fancy pigeon refers to any breed of domestic pigeon, which is a domesticated form of the wild rock dove. They are bred by pigeon fanciers for various traits relating to size, shape, color, and behavior, and often exhibited at pigeon shows, fairs and other livestock exhibits.
The Dresden Trumpeter is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding.
The Archangel is a breed of fancy pigeon, notable for the metallic sheen of its feathers. Archangels, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon. 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 or gold with wings that are either black, white, or blue.
The African Owl is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. They originated in Tunisia (Africa), and were imported into England during the 19th century. The breed is known for its short beak, which gives the breed the "Owl" name due to the size and shape.
The Schmalkalden Moorhead is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Schmalkalden Moorheads, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon . It was developed at Schmalkalden, Thuringian town in Germany.
The Chinese Owl is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Chinese Owls, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon. The breed is known for its small size and profuse frilled feathers. Many specimens of this breed have a 'chin-crest' around the frontal region of its neck - it does not extend around to the back of the head. The feathers are more 'ruffled'and appear 'wind-swept' rather that 'curled' as in the frill varieties. The breed comes in many colors : black, brown, blue/ blue-grey, barred, ice, satinette blondinette, white, pied and white-black (combinations).
The Arabian Trumpeter is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Arabian Trumpeters, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon. There are several breeds of trumpeter pigeons which are known for their vocal cooing which sounds similar to laughter or trumpeting. The breeds with this ability are collectively known as "voice" pigeons.
The Trumpeter breeds of fancy pigeon are so named because of their unique vocalizations which sound vaguely like low laughter. Wendell Levi describes this trumpeting vocalization in his book The Pigeon. There are several domesticated varieties that possess this "trumpeting" ability to various degrees. Some of the more popular are:
The South German Monk is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. South German Monks, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon. The South German Monk is always peak crested and clean legged or shell crested with medium length muffs blending with the hock feathers.
The Jacobin is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding that originated in Asia. Jacobins, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants of the rock pigeon. It is in the Asian feather and voice pigeon show group. The breed is known for its feathered hood over its head.
The Ice pigeon is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Ice pigeons, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon.
The English Long-faced Tumbler is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. English Long-faced Tumblers, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants of the rock dove.
The Turbit is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Turbits, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon . The breed is known for its peaked crest, short beak and frill of feathers on its breast.
The English Trumpeter is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. English Trumpeters, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon. This is one of the most popular breeds in the USA. The English Trumpeter is regarded as one of the most ornamental breeds of fancy pigeon. The most distinguishing feature of this breed are the very large muffs on its feet, which often grow to sizes close to its flight-feathers. Combining a tuft, crest and large muffs on their feet, they are challenging to breed. They are bred in a number of colours which are listed under self, splash and baldhead.
The Altenburger Trumpeter is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Altenburger Trumpeters along with other breeds of domesticated pigeons are all descendants from the rock pigeon. There are several breeds of trumpeter pigeons which are known for their vocal cooing which sounds similar to laughter or trumpeting. The breeds with this ability are collectively known as "voice" pigeons.
The Australian Saddleback Tumbler is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Australian Saddleback Tumblers, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants of the rock pigeon . As the name suggests, this breed is an Australian creation and was first recognized as a breed in 1917.
The Frillback is a breed of pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Frillbacks, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon. The breed is known for the frill or curls on the wing shield feathers. The feather curl should also be present at the ends of the foot feathers or muffs.
The Saxon Colour pigeons are a group of Saxon breeds of fancy pigeons developed over many years of selective breeding. Saxon Colour pigeons, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon . Saxon Colour pigeons are a combination of various varieties which are basically the same type differing only in colour and markings. Some varieties include: Saxon Breast pigeon, Saxon Monk (pictured), Saxon Priest, Saxon Reversewing, Saxon Shield, Saxon Spot and Saxon Whitetail. Saxon Colour pigeons have similar colour varieties to the Thuringian Colour pigeons but the Saxons are all Muff (feathered) legged.
The Serbian Highflyer is a breed of domestic pigeon that is bred for endurance flying. The breed is characterized by long circle flights up to 15 hours. It can fly as high as 1,500 metres (4,900 ft). There are about 20,000 fanciers of this breed in Serbia.
