 Black Chinese Owl | |
| Conservation status | Common |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Spain |
| Classification | |
| US Breed Group | Structure pigeons |
| EE Breed Group | Structure pigeons |
| Notes | |
| Have been in North American since 1898. One of the fanciest of all fancy breeds. | |
| |
The Chinese Owl is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. [1] The name "Chinese Owl" is a misnomer, as the breed did not originate in China. Its origin is uncertain, but it is speculated that they are probably descended from the Spanish Chorrera. [2] [3] Chinese Owls, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon (Columba livia). The breed is known for its small size and profuse frilled feathers. [4] 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 than 'curled' as in the frill varieties. The breed comes in many colors: black, brown (of many hues from near-rust to fawn), blue/ blue-grey, barred, ice, satinette blondinette (these last two possibly being cross-breeds), white, pied and are known in 33 different color combinations.
