Mary Allen
The rock pigeon is the archetype of all of today’s pigeon breeds. These are the result of mutations, some of which are thousands of years old. A look at her face reveals how different they are.
For a layperson, the rock pigeon (Columba livia) can hardly be distinguished from a street pigeon. This is not the case with the various show pigeons. Because of their diversity, they immediately catch your eye. Of course, what someone finds beautiful or less beautiful is always subjective. From a neutral point of view, despite their different appearance, they are undoubtedly domesticated “rock pigeons”. They have no more, but also no fewer species characteristics.
Franconian Velvet Shield
An intense red eye rim, the breeder calls it fire, distinguishes the Franconian velvet shield pigeons. About 100 years ago they were the only color pigeon breed that had such a red-eye rim. The intense coloring is not least caused by lard quills. Fatty quills that pigeons have on the sides of their bodies. The breeders liked it so much that they transferred the lard quills to other breeds. With the result that they too now have the beautiful fiery eye rims.
Eichbuhler
A special form of the homing pigeon-like show pigeons comes from the Eichbühl farm in AuswilBE. In addition to a characteristic figure, they have a special head shape, called “lizard head”. It should appear angular and distinctive, just as one would describe it in a lizard. Perhaps this head shape reminded breeders of the primeval bird, Archeopteryx, the link between lizard and bird.
Monochrome Swiss Pigeon
This breed appears to have existed in its present form as early as 1845. In any case, she can be recognized without a doubt on the «Basler Dybli», a very coveted stamp. Characteristic are the steep forehead, the high pointed cap at the back of the head, and the dark eye, the so-called vetch eye. So to speak, the prototype of many Swiss pigeon breeds. All in all, the child scheme is addressed here.
Vogtland Drummers
The beak carnation acts like a small umbrella, a small whorl of feathers on the forehead of the Vogtländer drummer pigeon. Feathers growing upwards ensure that the carnation rests like a plate and the pigeon’s view is not obstructed. Beak carnations are mainly found in trumpet pigeons, i.e. in breeds that have a special talent for singing.
Carriers
Like all original messenger pigeons, the carriers also have strongly developed nose warts and eye rims. A phenomenon that can also be observed in carrier pigeons. It is not known whether this might have an impact on the ability to find a home. The fact that these features are usually described by the viewer as at least taking some getting used to is another matter. Incidentally, the nasal warts are always a bit more pronounced in cocks of all breeds. So these are secondary sex characteristics.
Gdansk High Flyer
The head profile is long and rather flat up to the round hood at the back of the head. The iris of the Gdańsk high flyer is white. The resulting pearly eye tends to give a cool and unapproachable impression. But maybe that’s also necessary when you’re circling in the high air and have to defend yourself against the wind and some attacks by birds of prey.