Fancy pigeon

Fancy pigeons are domesticated varieties of the Rock Pigeon ("Columba livia"). They are bred by pigeon fanciers for various traits relating to size, shape, color, and behavior.cite book |last=Levi |first=Wendell |title= The Pigeon|year= 1977|publisher= Levi Publishing Co, Inc|location= Sumter, S.C.|isbn=0853900132 ] The breeders of these fancy varieties exhibit their birds at pigeon shows, fairs and other livestock exhibits. [cite book| last =Blechman | first =Andrew | title =Pigeons-The fascinating saga of the world's most revered and reviled bird. | publisher =University of Queensland Press | date =2007 | location =St Lucia, Queensland | url =http://www.uqp.uq.edu.au/book_details.php?id=9780702236419| isbn =9780702236419 ]

There are over 300 breeds of Fancy Pigeons.

Pigeon showing

Pigeon fanciers from many different countries enjoy exhibiting their birds at their local, inter-state or national shows and competing against one another for prizes.cite book |last=Levi |first=Wendell |title= The Pigeon|year= 1977|publisher= Levi Publishing Co, Inc|location= Sumter, S.C.|isbn=0853900132 ] A typical country show in Australia had hundreds of pigeons on display and prizes for the winners. [cite web| title =Bird lovers flock to pigeon show
publisher =Wauchope Gazette | url =http://www.webcitation.org/5Y0O3m0Im
format =Web article | accessdate =2008-05-22 ]

Some fanciers organize exhibitions exclusively for pigeons; one held each year in Blackpool, England that is run by the Royal Pigeon Racing Association was attended by 25,000 people. The £80,000 profit from the show was all donated to charity. [cite web| title =Fanciers flock to fund foundation | publisher =Bebden Bridge Times
url =http://www.hebdenbridgetimes.co.uk/sport/Fanciers-flock-to-fund-foundation.4014301.jp
format =Web article | accessdate =2008-05-24 ]

The biggest pigeon show of all is held in Nurnberg, Germany which is the location for the German National Pigeon Show, which had over 33,500 (all pigeons) at the 2006 show. [Citation| last =Child | first =Brad | title ="Pigeon Pals Tour" Part II | newspaper =Purebred Pigeon (March/April 2007) | pages =71, 72. | year =2007 | date =
url =http://www.purebredpigeon.com/ .]

In the U.S.A., there are hundreds of local, state and national pigeon clubs that sponsor shows. The largest shows are the National Young Bird Show, held in Louisville, Kentucky in October, and the National Pigeon Association's Grand National which is held in a different city each year, usually in January (links for both clubs below).

Major breed families of fancy pigeon

This grouping system is adapted from The Australian Fancy Pigeons book of standards.Seymour, Rev. Colin (Ed)(2006) "Australian Fancy Pigeons National Book of Standards".] Where consideration was given to the new UK standards book which followed the German and European grouping. This version differs slightly from that of the European grouping [http://www.vdt-online.de/seite3/index3.html here] , but until a worldwide accepted grouping can be worked out the following are arbitrary and solely for organizing breed articles.

Asian feather and voice pigeons

This group includes as the name suggests, breeds developed for extensive feathering that originated in the Asian region. Also breeds cultivated for their trumpeting (or laughing) voice.
* Fantail
* Frillback
* Ice Pigeon
* Jacobin
* Lahore
* Trumpeter

Colour pigeons

Most of these originate in Germany and you will sometimes see these listed as German Toys. Many different varieties with a wide selection of colours and markings.
* Archangel
* Danish Suabian
* Saxon Field Pigeon
* Starling
* Swallow
* Thuringen Field Pigeon

Frills and Owls

The word "Frill" here relates to the reversed feathering on the chest of these varieties. This group also noted for having short beaks.
* Aachen Lacquer Shield Owl
* African Owl
* Chinese Owl
* Italian Owl
* Old German Owl
* Oriental Frill
* Turbit

Homer and Hen Pigeons

Homing Pigeons

This group includes breeds originally developed for their homing ability. Includes show type racing pigeons.
* American Show Racer
* Dragoon
* English Carrier
* German Beauty Homer
* Homing pigeon

Hen Pigeons

The birds in this group are referred to as hen pigeons because of their upturned tail which is supposed to resemble a female chicken.
* Modena

Pouters and Croppers

This group includes breeds developed for ability to inflate their crops.
* English Pouter
* Brunner Pouter
* Gaditano Pouter
* Holle Cropper
* Norwich Cropper
* Pigmy Pouter
* Pouter
* Voorburg shield cropper

Exhibition Tumblers

Originally members of this group were flying/tumbler breeds but have now been refined to such a degree as to be purely ornamental/exhibition breeds.
* Budapest Short Face Tumbler
* English Long Face Tumbler
* English Short Faced Tumbler
* Helmet
* Magpie
* Nun

Flying Tumblers and Highfliers

This group are regarded as dual purpose in that they can be shown but still have acrobatic or sporting ability and can be used in flying competitions. Flying tumbler varieties belong in this group. Although many in this grouping have become primarily show varieties, they are still expected to display characteristics of performing birds.Seymour, Rev. Colin (Ed)(2006) "Australian Fancy Pigeons National Book of Standards".]
* Australian Performing Tumbler
* Danzig Highflyer
* Donek
* Roller
* Tippler

Utility pigeons

Includes breeds originally developed as meat (squab) producers.
* Carneau
* French Mondain
* King
* Runt
* Strasser

References

ee also

* Domestic Pigeon
* Homing pigeon
* List of pigeon breeds

External Links

[http://www.npausa.com National Pigeon Association - USA]

[http://www.nationalyoungbirdshow.com National Young Bird Show - USA]