There are at least four main types of competitive pigeon sport:
Pigeon racing is the sport of releasing specially trained homing pigeons, which then return to their homes over a carefully measured distance. The time it takes the animal to cover the specified distance is measured and the bird's rate of travel is calculated and compared with all of the other pigeons in the race to determine which animal returned at the highest speed.
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 tippler is a breed of domestic pigeon bred to participate in endurance competitions. Flying results of up to 22 hours (non-stop) have been reported.
The Ragamuffin is a breed of domestic cat. It was once considered to be a variant of the Ragdoll cat but was established as a separate breed in 1994. Ragamuffins are notable for their friendly personalities and thick fur.
The domestic pigeon or city dove is a pigeon subspecies that was derived from the rock dove. The rock pigeon is the world's oldest domesticated bird. Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets mention the domestication of pigeons more than 5,000 years ago, as do Egyptian hieroglyphics. Research suggests that domestication of pigeons occurred as early as 10,000 years ago.
The Lahore is a breed of fancy pigeon known for its impressive size and gentle nature. Lahores, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants of the rock pigeon.
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 English Pouter is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. English Pouters, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon. A breed with an enlarged crop, their distinctiveness was described by Charles Darwin in The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication (1868).
The Komorn Tumbler is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. The breed has American and European varieties that are recognized as separate breeds at shows with classes catering for American Komorner Tumblers and European Komorner Tumblers. Originally bred for acrobatic flying as a tumbler pigeon, Komorners are seldom free-flown today, and exist only for exhibition in pigeon shows.
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 Egyptian Swift is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. The name swift was given by reason of a resemblance to the bird of that name. Egyptian Swifts, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon. The breed is known for its long wings and tail and its short beak. The flying Egyptian Swift is one or two inches shorter than a show Egyptian Swift.
In culinary terminology, squab is an immature domestic pigeon, typically under four weeks old, or its meat. Some authors describe it as tasting like dark chicken.
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.
The Strasser is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Strassers, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon . Apart from exhibition at pigeon shows, the breed is also used for utility purposes for producing squabs as food.
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 King pigeon is a breed of pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding primarily as a utility breed. Kings along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons are all descendants from the rock dove.
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 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.
