 A pair of white Kings | |
| Conservation status | Common |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | United States |
| Classification | |
| US Breed Group | Utility |
| EE Breed Group | Hen Pigeons |
| |
The King pigeon is a breed of pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding primarily as a utility breed. [1] Kings along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons are all descendants from the rock dove (Columba livia).
The breed is known for its large size and suitability for squab production.
The breed also has a variety bred for exhibition purposes at pigeon shows. It is called the Show King to distinguish it from the purely utility variety. The American Pigeon Journal even had a special issue devoted to the Show King in their November of 1970 issue[]. The Show King is dual purpose and can be used for squab raising. [2]
The King is a dual purpose breed that originated in the United States. [3] They were developed during the 1890s by crossing four older varieties: the Duchess for grace; the Homer for alertness; the Maltese for compactness and style; and the Runt for body and size. [2]
King pigeon meat is popular in cuisines of parts of China, North Africa, North America, and some European countries. [4]
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.
Pigeon keeping or pigeon fancying is the art and science of breeding domestic pigeons. People have practiced pigeon keeping for at least 5,000 years and in almost every part of the world. In that time, humans have substantially altered the morphology and the behaviour of the domesticated descendants of the rock dove to suit their needs for food, aesthetic satisfaction and entertainment.
Budapest Short-faced Tumblers are a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. The breed was created in Budapest, Hungary. Budapest Short-faced Tumblers, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants of the rock dove.
The American Show Racer pigeon is a breed of domestic pigeon that began in the early 1950s with the finest Racing Homers, selectively bred for their breed type. Pigeon historian Wendell Levi mentions Show Pen Racers in his book The Pigeon. He describes the early development of the breed in the United States and early breeders of the variety. In 1952, The American Show Pen Racer Club was formed at the National Show held in Des Moines, Iowa.
The Australian Performing Tumbler (APT) is a breed of fancy pigeon.
The Danzig Highflyer is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Danzig Highflyers, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon. There are two major variates of the Danzig Highflyer: ones that are bred for show, and others as pets for flying.
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 American Domestic Show Flight is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Domestic Show Flights, along with other varieties of domestic pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon. The Domestic Show Flight is a relatively recent American creation which was developed in the state of New York.
The Pigmy Pouter is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Pigmy Pouters, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon.
The Starling is a breed of fancy pigeon, developed over many years of selective breeding. They are known for their iridescent feathers. Starlings, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon.
The Voorburg Shield Cropper is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Voorburg Shield Croppers, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants of the rock dove. This breed was developed by C.S.T. Van Gink at Voorburg in the Netherlands in 1935.
Flying/Sporting is the name of one of three main groupings of breeds of domesticated pigeons used by pigeon fanciers in the United States. The other two are Fancy and Utility.
Utility pigeons are domesticated pigeons bred to be a source of meat called squab. Squabs have been used as a food in many nations for centuries. They were bred to breed and grow quickly. Because they are bred for squab production, conformation to a show standard is usually deemed unimportant.
The Carneau is a breed of pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding primarily as a utility pigeon. Carneau, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon . The breed is known for large size and suitability for squab production. White Carneau pigeons are extensively used in experiments on operant conditioning; most of the pigeons used in B. F. Skinner's original work on schedules of reinforcement were White Carneaux.
The Helmet is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Helmets, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon. The breed has medium face, short face, plain-head and crested varieties. Helmet pigeons have been referenced since the early 15th century and appear to have origins in Germany. The modern varieties were refined in the latter 20th century.
The Giant Runt is a breed of pigeon developed by selective breeding primarily as a utility and exhibition breed. American Giant Runts, along with other varieties of the domestic pigeon, are all descendants from the rock pigeon . The breed is known for its large size and suitability for squab production.
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 Barb is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Barbs, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon . This breed was referred to by Shakespeare. It was also referred to with an illustration in Charles Darwin's Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication. It has been marked as cruel by many organisations due to the size of its beak which means it has trouble feeding its young and surviving.
The Stralsund Highflyer is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Stralsund Highflyers, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon.
The French Mondain is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. French Mondains, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon. The breed was originally developed in France as a utility pigeon.
