Nun pigeon

Last updated
Nun
Nun pigeon.jpg
Conservation statusCommon
Other namesDutch Shell Pigeon
Classification
US Breed Group Fancy
EE Breed Group Tumbler Pigeons

The Nun is a breed of fancy pigeon developed through many years of selective breeding. It was known as the Dutch Shell Pigeon in continental Europe. Nuns, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon (Columba livia). [1] The Nun is one of the oldest breeds and was originally a flying tumbler before being developed for exhibition. [2] It is a mostly white breed, with a hood of feathers, which gives the name to the breed.

Contents

Description

Nun(black).jpg

The Nun is given its name by the raised feathers which form a kind of hood which covers the back of the neck and head, resembling a nun. [3] Continental Europe previously referred to the Nun as the Dutch Shell Pigeon during the early part of the 20th century. [4] It resembles the tumbler, [5] from which this breed of pigeon originated; [2] although as with all domestic pigeons they are descended from the rock pigeon (Columba livia). [6] They have mostly white bodies and are designated according to the color of their head, for example, a black headed Nun, or a yellow headed Nun. [7] Only the head, tail and the flight feathers are colored. [8] Nuns are one breed in a group of pigeons who fly at high altitudes, along with types of tumblers and the magpie pigeon. [9]

The British Nun Club standard for the Nun states that the ideal size for male Nuns should be 9 inches (23 cm) from the top of the bird's head to their feet, and 10 inches (25 cm) from the front of the chest to its tail. Female and young Nuns should be roughly the same size. The beak should be straight but stout, and the eyes a pearly white. [10]

Charles Darwin referred to the Nun in The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication , where he described how the Nun and Jacobin breeds of pigeon have evolved to have less caudal vertebrae than the rock pigeon, from which they originate. [6]

See also

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bokhara Trumpeter</span> Breed of pigeon

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Domestic pigeon</span> Small domesticated bird

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lahore pigeon</span> Breed of pigeon

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Archangel pigeon</span> Breed of pigeon

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">English Carrier pigeon</span> Pigeon breed

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">English Short-faced Tumbler</span> Breed of pigeon

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Budapest Short-faced Tumbler</span> Breed of pigeon

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Schmalkalden Moorhead</span> Breed of pigeon

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Felégyhaza Tumbler</span> Breed of pigeon

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Old German Cropper</span> Breed of pigeon

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacobin pigeon</span> Breed of pigeon

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ice pigeon</span> Breed of pigeon

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">English Long-faced Tumbler</span> Breed of pigeon

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australian Saddleback Tumbler</span> Breed of pigeon

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frillback</span> Breed of pigeon

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Berlin Short-faced Tumbler</span> Breed of pigeon

The Berlin Short-faced Tumbler is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Berlin Short-faced Tumblers, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants of the rock dove.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Damascene pigeon</span> Breed of pigeon

The Damascene, also known as the Istanbullu pigeon, is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Damascenes, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants of the rock dove . The breed is thought to have originated in Damascus, Syria and hence its name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West of England Tumbler</span> Breed of pigeon

The West of England Tumbler is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. West of England Tumblers, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants of the rock dove . The breed was developed in England in Bristol and the surrounding West Country in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

References

  1. ↑ Levi, Wendell (1977). The Pigeon. Sumter, S.C.: Levi Publishing Co, Inc. ISBN   0-85390-013-2.
  2. 1 2 Seymour, Rev. Colin, ed. (2006). Australian Fancy Pigeons National Book of Standards.
  3. ↑ Figuier, Louis; Gillmore, Parker (1873). Reptiles and Birds. New York: Cassell, Petter, & Galpin. p. 452.
  4. ↑ Townend Barton, Frank (1911). The Boy Fancier. London: George Routledge & Sons. p. 306.
  5. ↑ Beeton, Isabella Mary, ed. (1863). The Book of Household Management. London: S. O. Beeton. pp.  212.
  6. 1 2 Darwin, Charles (1896). The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication Part One. New York: D. Appleton and Co. p. 175. ISBN   9781417937509.
  7. ↑ "Beverly Show of Poultry, Pigeons, and Canaries". The Journal of Horticulture Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman. VI (New Series): 425. 1864.
  8. ↑ Ames, D. F. (1838). Cottage Comforts. New York: D. F. Ames. p. 325.
  9. ↑ Vriends, Matthew; Erskine, Tommy; Earle-Bridges, Michele (2004). Pigeons. Barron's Educational Series: Hauppauge, NY. p. 87. ISBN   978-0-7641-2991-9.
  10. ↑ "BNC Standard of perfection for Nuns". British Nun Club. Retrieved 28 May 2011.
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