The South German Shield is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. [1] South German Shields, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon (Columba livia). The whole bird is pure white except for the wing coverts which are colored. [2]
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.
The Pouter pigeons are domesticated varieties of the rock dove, Columba livia, characterized by a very large, inflatable crop. They are kept as ornamental or fancy breeds, valued for their unusual appearance. There are many varieties of pouter with little in common except for the nature of the crop. The origin of the breed group is unknown, but Pouters have been bred in Europe for at least 400 years.
The Australian Performing Tumbler (APT) is a breed of fancy pigeon.
The German Beauty Homer is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding, from German racing pigeons. German Beauty Homers along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons are all descendants of the rock dove. The breed was first developed around one hundred years ago.
The German Modena is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. German Modenas, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants of the rock dove.
The Old German Magpie Tumbler is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. The Old German Magpie Tumbler, 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.
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 Stargard Shaker, also called Zitterhall, is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Originally developed in Pomerania. Zitterhals have curved swan-like necks that tremble or shake in a way similar to Fantail pigeons. A Zitterhals pigeon was one of the champions at the 2007 NPA Grand Nationals.
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 Magpie is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. They can also be very easily spotted in England and in most parts of America. Magpies, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon. The original Magpie was one of the old tumbler varieties, coming via Germany from Denmark about 1900.
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 Thuringian Colour pigeons are a group of breeds of fancy pigeons developed over many years of selective breeding. Thuringian Colour pigeons, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon . The breed group is known for several different colours and markings. Varieties include the Thuringian Breast, Thuringian Monk, Thuringian Shield (picture), Thuringian Whitetail and the Thuringian Spot. The breed can be either plain or shell crested, but is always clean-legged.
The Valencian Figurita is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. It originated in Valencia, Spain hundreds of years ago and is the smallest of the many fancy pigeon breeds. The breed is promoted by the Valencian Figurita and Italian Owl Club in the United States, by the Figurita Club Nederland in the Netherlands, and by the Figurita-Movchen-Club Deutschland in Germany. Valencian Figuritas are bred in the colors black, red, yellow, silver, blue, white, dun, ash-red, and blue and red grizzle. It also appears in the patterns bar, check, and spread.
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 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 Reverse-wing Pouter is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Reverse-wing Pouters, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon . The breed is known for its eye-catching markings.
Media related to South German Shield at Wikimedia Commons  | This Pigeon breed–related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |