Pigeons are one of the most famous bird species found in any city. Every person at least once in his life, walking in the park, saw these beauties. But no one thinks how many species of such beautiful birds exist in the world. In the article we will take a closer look at the types of pigeons, photos and names.
Wild birds
For many centuries people have tried to domesticate pigeons. But it did not succeed completely. In the world, on almost every continent, there are species of wild pigeons and doves that differ in behavior, appearance, and many other features. Let's take a closer look at some of them.
Groovy dove
Cesar is one of the most popular and numerous representatives of wild pigeons. The bird has a bluish or light gray color, thanks to which it got its name. Cesar is very similar to the rock pigeon, but has a darker tail. This is its main distinguishing feature.
This breed is common in Europe, Asia and northern Africa. Rock pigeons prefer to live in mountainous areas, but sometimes they cansit next to the forest. This type of wild pigeon rarely moves from place to place, as it prefers a sedentary lifestyle.
Rock Pigeon
Considering the types of wild pigeons (photos and names), you should stop at the rocky one, which, as mentioned above, is very similar to the sizar. The main difference is the black beak and light-colored tail. In addition, it is smaller in size than a sisar. The habitat of the rock pigeon is Altai, Tien Shan, the mountains of Tibet, the Himalayas. This breed usually breeds in pairs. The other qualities of the rock dove are the same as those of the sizar.
Klintukh
Studying the types of wild pigeons (see photo in the article), you should stop at the klintukh. The plumage of this breed has a bluish color, the neck has a greenish tint, the goiter is red, the wings are blue-gray, and the tail has black stripes. The habitat of this breed is the north of Kazakhstan, the south of Siberia, Turkey, Africa, China. From cold regions, birds usually fly away for the winter to warmer climes, and in the southern regions they prefer a sedentary lifestyle. They settle in places where there are large rocky trees (parks, forests).
Crowned Dove
Types of wild pigeons in Russia are very diverse, but the crowned pigeon lives only in hot countries, for example, in New Guinea. He settles in humid forests, in the jungle, in mango thickets. The dove got its name because of a specific crest, which canrise and fall depending on the emotions and mood of the bird. In addition, this breed is the owner of rather long legs, and in size it is no larger than a canary.
Vyakhir
Representatives of this breed are the largest among all wild pigeons. The tail is up to 15 centimeters long. The coloration is not much different from the gray and rock pigeon. Neck with a bright greenish tint. The dove is widespread in Europe and Asia. Prefers to nest in forests or parks. Easily tolerates any climatic conditions.
Meat pigeons
So, we looked at the types of wild pigeons, photos with names. Next, let's take a closer look at meat breeds. Residents of the United States and Western Europe have appreciated the taste of these birds, and now meat pigeons are actively bred there.
King
This is the favorite species of meat pigeons among US residents. They were first brought out in the 19th century. Kings have a wide fleshy body, developed muscles and a strong skeleton. The plumage of representatives of this breed can be monophonic (black, white, brown) and spotted. Kings are practically unable to fly. Perhaps this is due to their large body.
English Modena
Considering the meat species of pigeons with photos and names, you should stop at moden. This species was bred in England. Birds have a muscular, massive body. Their tail is almost vertical. Mods weigh a lot(about 1 kg). Because of this, they practically do not fly. As for the plumage, it can be either plain or dark with light wings.
Flying pigeons
In addition to taste, people noticed other features in pigeons. For example, some of them are able to return to their usual place. Such birds began to be called postal. But it was soon noticed that each of them has its own special style of flight. This group of pigeons is the most numerous among all. Depending on the manner of flying, they were divided into the following types:
- High-flying breed. Such doves, flying up into the sky, describe several circles. In flight, they can be from 2 to 10 hours.
- Riding pigeons. They are distinguished by special turns through the wing, which gives the impression that the bird is tumbling in the air.
- Slaughter breed. They take off low, while doing a somersault through the tail, as a result, a click is heard, which occurs when the wings strike.
- Rollers. Such birds seem to spin around their axis, making somersaults through the wing.
Nikolaev pigeons
Considering the flight types of pigeons, it is necessary to note the Nikolaev breed. These birds are the most popular among flying birds. For the first time they were seen in Ukraine in the city of Nikolaev. Like other representatives of flying pigeons, they have their own flight feature - they take off and rise up in a straight line, then stop in the air and flutter their wings. Nikolaev pigeons are the owners of very long wings,small neck and short legs. Their color is gray, black, white, and even yellow and red.
Perlin short-beaked pigeon
This breed belongs to the fighting pigeons, which in flight do somersaults through the tail and click their wings. Its representatives appeared in the 19th century in the city of Berlin (hence the name). These pigeons have a small body, a small head, a prominent forehead and a short beak. A feature is that their wings hang below the tail. Short-billed pigeons are very active. Their plumage can be either monophonic or variegated.
German monk
When studying the flight types of pigeons, special attention should be paid to the German monk. This is an ancient and very beautiful breed. These pigeons appeared in the 17th century. Their homeland is Germany. The peculiarity of birds is that they are able to lure other pigeons to themselves, although they themselves fly low. Thanks to this distinctive feature, they were previously used to steal other people's birds. The German monk is small in size, has a convex forehead and a small beak. Outwardly, it is distinguished by the presence of a specific “hood” on the back of the head.
Carrier pigeons
The fact that pigeons were used as postmen is no secret. In order to convey messages, these birds were used by the inhabitants of Ancient Rome and Greece. In the Middle Ages, only kings could afford to keep carrier pigeons. This type of communication was considered the most reliable and fastest. Even during the Second World War, amazingthe ability of carrier pigeons was useful to people during the absence of another connection.
Time has passed, and humanity no longer needs the postal services of birds. Now this breed is called sports and their ability is used in competitions. Belgium is the world center of this bird sport. It should be noted that the ability of pigeons to navigate the terrain and overcome long distances is a hereditary trait. Other breeds do not have this gift.
Belgian carrier pigeon
Considering the postal types of pigeons, special attention should be paid to the Belgian. This is the best representative in its breed. It flies very fast and is perfectly oriented in space. "Belgians" have a wide chest, short tail, round head. Their plumage is usually blue, with light wings.
Belgian carrier pigeons are considered champions. The bird of this breed was sold for the highest price - 328 thousand dollars.
Decorative species of pigeons
The main feature of these birds is their appearance. They have various tufts, unusual length and shape of wings, growths, various plumage colors and other features. In addition, birds may have a particular body shape or posture. Some species repeat many well-known birds in the color of feathers (larks, swallows, gulls, bullfinches). Decorative species are bred solely for beauty and aesthetic pleasure.
Peacock Dove
This type of decorative pigeon is considered the mostbeautiful. Their feature is a magnificent tail, which is very similar to a peacock. Hence the name of the breed. The plumage of such pigeons is different, but white is considered a classic. No wedding, exhibition or performance is complete without these beautiful birds.
Barb
Representatives of this unusual breed are included in the group of warty pigeons. Their main distinguishing feature is special skin growths around the eyes. In addition, they have a convex forehead and a small beak. The plumage is not only monophonic, there are also unusual colors, for example, yellow or red.
Saxon priest
Representatives of this breed have a rich feather decoration. They have two tufts on their heads, and long feathers on their paws. Regardless of the color, the forehead of these pigeons will always be white. The plumage looks like a monk's hood. Hence the name of this breed.
Curly dove
This breed got its name because of the unusual curly feathers. In color, they can be both monophonic and spotted. These birds are so beautiful that many connoisseurs of bird beauty want to buy them.
Conclusion
So, in this article we examined the main types of pigeons, their names, external features, distinguishing features of flight and much more. It should be noted that in the world there are a huge number of other unique breeds of pigeons. We stopped only on the most popular of them.
