Different types of Pigeons in several countries and states are popular to be the best choice among pets for many. Do you have any idea why that is? Pigeons have a long history of being associated with supernatural phenomena.
In addition to their outward attractiveness, pigeons have a reputation for being trustworthy, hardy, and friendly.
Before the invention of the internet and cell phones, it was common practice to use pigeons to carry messages such as letters and notes from one location to another.
However, in addition to this broad information, what more do you know about pigeons in other parts of the world?
These birds are very flexible and can dwell on every continent and country. They have taken up residence across the entirety of the world.
Pigeons are associated as a sign of love and peace by the majority of people in most civilizations. These birds are defined in various ways by individuals from different cultures.
In addition to these meanings, these birds symbolize social responsibility, pursuing dreams, benevolence, and comprehension.
Today, let us get a head start and learn some fascinating facts and previously unknown information about different types of pigeons worldwide.
1. Monks Pigeons
There is a breed of fancy pigeons known as the Saxon monk and the South German Monk. There are five different hues of monk pigeons: blue, black, red, yellow, and silver, with white bars or spangles on them.
The Monk got its name from its white cap, characterized by short legs, a low and squatty station, and a simple head. However, there are examples of it that have crests.
2. Nicobar Pigeon
The Nicobar pigeon is the second mentioned on this list of types of Pigeons. It is the only living member of the genus Caloenas and is endemic to the island of Nicobar in the Indian Ocean.
It has a huge head that is gray, with copper hackles that reach toward the chest. The breast and the rest of the body are dark gray. However, most of the plumage is a shiny green color. The tail is short and white.
3. Nun Pigeon
The Nun is a breed of exhibiting pigeons produced over many decades through selective breeding. This species was also known as the Dutch Shell Pigeon in continental Europe.
Before being explicitly bred for show purposes, this bird was originally a flying tumbler, making it one of the oldest breeds.
They should have a straight but robust beak, and their eyes should have a pearly white color. Their bodies are predominantly white.
4. Oriental Frills Pigeons
Pigeons of this particular breed were initially raised in Turkey for the Ottoman Sultans at the Manisa Palace, which is now in Turkey.
However, Blondinettes and Satinettes are the most prevalent types of this kind and have various other color and marking varieties. Some have clean legs, but most varieties have grouse-muffs on their tarsi and feet.
5. Polish Lynx Pigeon
Another mention on our list of different types of Pigeons is the Polish Lynx, sometimes known as utility pigeons. The original Lynx in Poland was a large field pigeon that was dark blue, and it had both bareheaded and shell and peak-crested varieties.
They have a well-developed skull that is flat and plain, a wide space between their eyes, and a black beak of medium length.
6. Victoria Crown Pigeon
The Victoria crown pigeon is a huge, bluish-gray bird with, bluish-gray bird with ornate blue crests that resemble blue lace. It has maroon breasts and a red iris. This bird is significant for its plumages and meat, and its name honors Queen Victoria, the ruler of the United Kingdom.
7. German Toys Pigeon
Pigeon breeds known as “German Toys” in the United Kingdom and the United States of America originated in Germany. German toys include Starlings, Ice Pigeons, and Latz also referred to as Breast Pigeons, Manks, Moulters, Priests, and Shields.
8. Starlings Pigeons
The Starlings pigeon has been around for quite some time and originated from Thuringia and South Germany. Because of the resemblance of the breed’s breast patterns to those of the Staling, people gave it the name.
Twelve different color varieties are available; some variations have plain heads while others have shell-crested heads.
9. Strasser Pigeon
The Strasser is a racer pigeon with a simple head and clean legs. In addition to its employment as an exhibit at pigeon shows, unlike other different types of Pigeons, one can put this breed to practical use in the production of squabs for human use.
Strasser has various color variations, including blue, black, white-barred, blue-checkered, and blue-barless.
10. Smerle Pigeon
The Smerle is a breed invented in Belgium in the early 1800s, and one may trace its roots back to the region of Liege. Its conception was the product of the mating of the owl, Turbit, and Cumulet.
The bird has a broad set of very firm flying feathers that are quite broad, a wide, spacious cranium, an arched head, and a deep, well-muscled breast bone. Additionally, the bird’s flight feathers are exceptionally broad.
11. Giant Runt Pigeon
The gigantic runt breed of Pigeon is widely recognized as the most successful and most prominent type on our list of different types of Pigeons. Additionally, The modern American Runt is a magnificently huge bird with a large head and full neck.
American Runts are one of the oldest pigeon species and have tighter feathers than continental and English Runts. It always maintains a level head and walks on clean legs.
12. Pink Pigeon
The Pink Pigeon is the rarest type of Pigeon when exploring different types of Pigeons. They were very close to going extinct in the 1990s, and even today, they are difficult to find.
Nesoenas mayeri, the scientific name for this particular species of Pigeon, is exclusive to the island of Mauritius. In addition, a mature Pink Pigeon is about 36 and 38 cm long from beak to tail and weighs about 350 kilos.
13. Valencian Figura
The Valencian Figurita is a fancy pigeon breed that originated in Valencia, Spain, 100 years ago. It is the tiniest Pigeon on this list of different types of Pigeons, weighing just 4-6 ounces, and it is one of the most miniature breeds.
They are well-known for their diminutive stature, frilled chest feathers, angular head shape, and cheery demeanor.
14. Coral Eyes Pigeon
The coral eye is a breed that is quite popular in Bengal, India, Despite the fact that it is nearly unheard of elsewhere in the world.
There are two recognizable breeds of the coral: one is a short bird similar to a barb, typically has black bars; the other breed is called the Indian Coral eye, and it carries itself in a more upright carriage.
15. Siamese Pigeons
The Siamese pigeons cannot be left out when looking deeply at different types of Pigeons. Siamese white pigeons have a beautiful appearance, making them a popular choice for pet owners.
Because of their white bodies, they virtually resemble the doves of peace often associated with the color white.
In addition to being appreciated for the exquisite quality of their singing, they thrive in many different parts of the world. The birds can live for up to 12 years if they are given the proper attention and care throughout their lives.
16. Ice Pigeons
Because of the breed’s unique icy blue coloring, it has gained a lot of notoriety. It was first bred in Saxony and Silesia, which extends from eastern Germany to western Poland.
There are several varieties of Ice pigeons, each with a distinctive wing design and color. The tips of their rectrices are white, and none have unique patterns outside a broad black band at the end of their tails.
17. Jacobins Pigeon
The Jacobin is a breed of fancy pigeons developed after a long period and many generations of careful breeding. The feathered hood distinguishes this species from other breeds. It is a type of domestic Pigeon belonging to an older breed.
Additionally, Schachtzabel (1910) and Aldrovandi (1603), who refer to the Jacobin as the Cyprus pigeon, give India the country where it originated. Jacobins have different colors: black and blue with black bars, red, yellow, white, and silver.
18. Jalali Pigeon
According to popular records, Hazrat Shajalal brought pigeons with him when he traveled to this land; hence, the Pigeon bears his name.
The pigeons are around the size of a chicken, mostly gray with black wing stripes. They have clean legs and no combs on their heads. They like to lead lives that are untethered from one another and far dispersed around the globe.
19. Kings Pigeon Breeds
The Kings Pigeon Breeds are an American-bred guinea fowl breed explicitly developed for meat production and exhibition. The King pigeon has many distinct subspecies, including:
- White King
- Silver King
- Red King
- Blue King
- Yellow King
- Black King
- Dun King
This particular breed lacks a crest and plumage on the head and the legs.
20. Lebanon Pigeon
The uncommon Asian breed known as the Lebanon pigeon originated in Syria. It comes in various shades, such as red, yellow, blue, and black, and its body frequently sports white bars or spangles with its white wing bars and alternating colorful white feathers on its wings and tail.
21. Magpies Pigeon
Around 1900, tumbler pigeons from Denmark were brought to Germany by Germans, and these were the ancestors of the modern Magpie. This breed of sporting pigeon took a lot of time and effort to develop, which resulted in its name.
The Magpie’s head, neck, breast, back, saddle, and tail are all black, yet they have an iridescent metallic sheen. In England, people refer to the Magpie as the “Queen of the pigeons.”
Magpies come in a variety of hues, including yellow, blue, dun, and silver, but the black kind is typically the most sought and expensive.
22. Maltese Pigeons
Another notable mention on our list of different types of Pigeons is The Maltese Pigeon, a member of the hen or pigeon groups initially developed in Southern Germany and Australia. The bird’s body is short, firm, compact, and not too heavy to detract from its grace and elegance.
23. Modenas Pigeon
The Modena Pigeon is an Italian pigeon breed named after the city of Modena, where they were first developed for the sport of flying, known as triganieri. The best way to describe a Modena pigeon is as “well-rounded” or “boat-shaped.”
24. Mondain Pigeon
The Mondain family has roots in both Italy and France. Pigeons have been selectively bred to produce the French Mondain for many years.
The Mondain Pigeon originated in France as a pigeon for agricultural and industrial use. The French Mondain comes in either a clean-legged or a feathered-legged kind, depending on your preference.
25. French Bagdad Pigeon Breeds
Moving on to our list of different types of pigeons, we have the french Bagdad pigeon breed. People developed this particular variety of pigeons entirely in France; examples include the Great wattled Bagdad, the Small Bagdad, the Steinheimer Bagdad, the Ostrava Bagdad, and the Syrian Bagdad.
However, They have a flaming appearance on the outside, reflecting their strength and spirit. They are vast and robust in all aspects.
Their skulls are flat, and their head profiles are slender. The beak should be around one and a half inches in length.
26. Barbs Pigeon
The Barb, sometimes known as the English Barb, is a breed of fancy Pigeon developed via many years of meticulous breeding selection.
The origin of this Pigeon traces back to Europe roughly 400 years ago. The dense wattling seen above the beak and around the eyes gives it a look similar to a frog.
This is the characteristic that attracts the most attention. You can find barbs in various colors, including black, red, dun, yellow, and white.
27. Carriers Pigeon
The carrier pigeons are another type of Pigeon used to convey messages from one location to another. People utilized the homing and racing type variations to deliver messages. Carrier pigeons made communications possible during World War 1 and World War 2.
They are not to be confused with English carriers, which were historically employed to carry messages but are now mainly bred for their “carriage” and other show features. These English carriers have been in existence for quite some time.
28. Cumulus
The Cumulus is the highflier of France, and its English name most likely originated from the Latin word Cumulus, which refers to the enormous white summer cloud. Cumulus is also the name of the tallest mountain in France. The motion of the birds creates the illusion of a white cumulus cloud.
29. Czechoslovakian Pigeons
The breeds considered genuine include the Prague Tumbler, the Rakovnik Roller, the Brunner Pouter, the Moravian Saddle Pouter, the Czechsaddle Pouter, and the Swing Pouter, among others.
In addition, there are eight different colors that one can breed into the Prachen Kanik: black, blue, red, yellow, dun, brown, and khaki.
30. Damascenes Pigeon Breed
There is proof that the species may have come from Turkey or Persia, and the Damascene is an ancient breed from Damascus, located in Syria. There are, however, indications that the species may have originated in Egypt.
Some 200 years later, in the AD Treatise of Domestic pigeons, it is proposed that they were then dubbed Mahomets because of their relationship with the founder of Islam, Prophet Muhammad.
31. Dragoons Pigeon
The dragon-like carrier pigeons, sometimes known as blue Dragoons, are a completely English breed developed within the past two centuries.
The Dragoon is a fancy Pigeon that came into existence after many years of careful breeding selection. It was one of the species that contributed to the creation of the Homer racing machine.
32. Duchess Pigeons
It appears that “Duchess” refers to a breed of continental Mondain used exclusively in the United States. The species has feet and tarsi that are severely muffed and are of the correct size for a Mondrian diagram.
Due to the extensive feathering on the leg, the Duchess gradually became extinct around 1010, and it is now an extremely rare sight.
33. Fantail Pigeon
The Fantail cannot be left out when exploring different types of pigeons. The Fantail is an ancient breed of Pigeon believed by many to have originated in India, China, or Spain.
Fantails are rather popular in India. This breed has likely had the least outcrossing compared to all others. The Fantail is a common kind of fancy Pigeon, and one distinguishing feature of this Pigeon is its tail, which looks like a fan and consists of 30 to 40 feathers.
34. Flights Pigeon Breeds
The American Domestic Flight Pigeon is a product of the United States, having been developed mostly and almost entirely in New York. However, New York is the only location where one can appreciate the Modern Show Flight.
35. Florentines Pigeons
The Florentine is a type of Pigeon that is a member of the hen pigeon family. The breed originated in Italy and is named after the city of Florence, located in that country. Florentine, a type of domestic fancy Pigeon, slightly resembling the Modena.
36. Frill Pigeon Breeds
The Frillbacks are a breed of pigeons that dates back centuries and originated in Asia Minor. The Frillbacks is a Pigeon breed produced through many years of careful breeding.
This species gets its name from the frill-like curls or ridges on the wing shield feathers. Furthermore, the feather curl should be visible at the tips of the feathers.
37. Golas or Golah Pigeon Breed
The Golas are another type of Pigeon indigenous to India, including Bangladesh. All the pigeons in question are of the Gola variety and live in rural areas all around Bangladesh.
A massive population of a type of wild Pigeon called the gola once flourished across what is now the Indo-Bangladesh subcontinent.
The species is a medium-sized bird weighing up to 14 ounces, although even within the same family, there is a substantial amount of size variance.
38. Goolee Indian Pigeon
The Goolee, another breed with Indian origins, appears to have been introduced to Europe and the UK. The Goolee and the Gola are quite comparable in size and station.
It also resembles a Gola in its clean legs, relatively short beak, and wings carried below the tail. In addition, Its body is primarily white with various colorful markings, and it has a well-arched neck with a high head carriage.
39. Giribug or Tumblers Pigeons
In the Indo-Bangladesh subcontinent, People domesticated pigeons for a very long time. The Giribug is one of the earliest known pigeon kinds.
The giribug typically has clean legs and is slightly bigger than the dove. It also lacks the comb and has a smaller skull and shorter beak. They are quite little and come in a variety of hues.
They move in strange ways, flipping themselves backward over their heads and taking on a football-like appearance while in the air.
Tumblers have a white head, wings, and a white tail; their body color can range from black to blue and everything in between.
40. Helmet Pigeon
The first record of helmet pigeons is from the beginning of the 15th century; They emerged in Germany between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In the latter half of the 20th century, the United States contributed significantly to developing the modern-day helmet. It is a pigeon like a tumbler, ranging in size from medium to small, with a lively and active disposition.
41. Homers Pigeon
There are several Homer pigeons, the most notable of which are the Racing Homers, the gigantic Homers, the Exhibition Homers, and the Genuine Homers.
Homers used for racing include Squabbing Homers, German Beauty Homers, English Homing Birds, Belgian Racing Homers, and English Homing Birds. However, The birds are exceptionally hardy, have a high production rate, and are excellent eaters.
42. Hungarians Pigeon Breeds
The Germanic countries are responsible for the development of different types of pigeons. Today, they have evolved into a bird with a distinctive appearance.
In addition, They stand relatively tall on their legs, hold themselves upright in the station, and their feathers are firm and close to the body. It always has a smooth head and clean legs, and the tarsi and eye ceres are deep crimsons.
43. Tippler Pigeon
Around 1845, the first Tippler pigeons were bred. Pigeons of the Homing and Cumulet breeds were used to create this hybrid.
However, most of their development focused on improving their performance in various events. They have had extensive training, are famed for their intelligence, and are renowned for their power.
44. Pouter Pigeon
The Pouter pigeon has long legs and a disproportionately massive upper body for a domestic fancy pigeon. These pigeons have heads that are proportionally smaller than others. The English pouter and the Brunner pouter are two well-known sub-variations of the same breed.
45. Old German Owl Pigeon
In Germany in the 1960s, people laid the foundation for this fancy breed of Pigeon. Due to their pleasant and lovely appearance, one can quickly identify them from other types of pigeons.
They weigh quite little and have a delicate appearance because of their short necks and silver gull marks. Most individuals value having them in their homes for decorative purposes.
46. Chinese Owl Pigeon
The Chinese Owl Pigeon is a notable mention on our list of different types of pigeons. The Chinese Owl Pigeon originated from India and Spain, despite its name, which suggests that it originated somewhere other than China.
They are known as owl pigeons because of their heads’ round shape and short beaks. They are commonly kept as pets and called whiskered owl pigeons. Their feathers are frilled.
47. Modena Pigeon
This particular breed of Pigeon, which gets its name from the city of Modena in Italy, is widely regarded as one of the world’s best show and exhibition varieties. With their wings raised and their chests puffed out, they present a striking appearance that is both lovely and odd.
They are peaceful and calm by nature, but when placed in an unfavorable situation, they are capable of displaying violent behavior.
48. Lahore Pigeon
This decorative Pigeon has a colorful appearance, intriguing plumage, and a big chest. It has dense feathers and a broad chest. They have a reserved nature, yet winning their trust and bringing them inside is simple.
Despite having its roots in Lahore, Pakistan, the majority of this breed’s development had taken place in Germany and Iran when people first brought it to those countries in the early 1800s.
49. Satinette Pigeon
These birds, which are related to owls and are also called old-fashioned frill pigeons, come from the family of owls. In the past, People specifically bred them for Turkish empires and Sultans, and the general people were not permitted to have access to them.
However, today and age, they have gained quite a bit of popularity among many people due to their beguiling and exceptionally stunning appearance.
50. Egyptian Swift Pigeon
They are conventional birds of the old day raised for flying and are most well-known in Egypt. They have a distinctive and controversial look, which intrigues most people who have a passion for pets because of their long tails, short beak, and wings. You can purchase several variants, including safi, otati, Halaby, Absy, Bolk, and Asmar.
51. African Owl Pigeon
This tamed Pigeon, which has its distinct appearance and demeanor, was developed over many years using selective breeding techniques.
The term comes from being initially from Africa, even though people have been bringing them to England for centuries.
This bird has been given the term “owl breed” due to the shape of its body, which is similar to that of an owl, and its short beak. It is not difficult to domesticate and bring it under control.
52. Archangel Pigeon
The archangel pigeon is another interesting mention in our compilation of different types of pigeons. The Archangel pigeon is a breed of Pigeon that is extremely valuable due to the metallic sheen in its feathers and the copper-colored shine on its head.
They are retained mostly for their ornamental value because, very obviously, they are pretty fascinating and appealing to look at. This is the primary reason people keep these birds as pets.
53. Carneau Pigeon
The Carneau pigeon, unlike many other kinds of pigeons, is a sort of wild feral Pigeon. Even though these are farmed birds, they have a robust and healthy appearance, a bigger physique, and vivid coloration. They are primarily domesticated birds consumed as squab due to their versatility.
54. Coburg Lark Pigeon
Because they look like doves and have other names, such as the Koburger Lark and the Gold Lead Lark, these pigeons are widely regarded as the most beautiful species of Pigeon.
They give off the impression of being very refined and refined, as well as well-tamed. They don’t get angry and are recognized for their restrained yet kind nature.
55. Damascene Pigeon
The Damascene Pigeon is known as one of the oldest birds in this article about different types of pigeons, dating back to approximately 3,000years ago, and has distinctive characteristics and an eye-catching look.
However, they are powerful and intelligent birds with a long life span of over ten years, and their eyes are very dark and dazzling. Their feathers are also very attractive.
56. Saxon Shield Pigeon
This gorgeous bird has an elongated appearance and intricate patterns on its feathers. Compared to other breeds on this list of different types of pigeons, they stand out due to their muff feathers, which have a characteristic long and curved shape.
They are bred primarily for their attractive appearance, which contributes to the fact that they have a docile demeanor and are well-behaved.
57. Serbian Highflyer Pigeon
These stunning birds had their beginnings in Serbia and were bred specifically for their long-lasting flight abilities and exceptional performance.
However, They have competitive skills and abilities, short and stocky bodies, and long wings in comparison to the length of their bodies. Outside of their natural habitat, these birds are nowhere to be found.
58. Pheasant Pigeon
The Pheasant pigeon is another gorgeous species of terrestrial Pigeon found in many different countries. They are native to New Guinea, notably the mountainous and lowland portions of the country, with a preference for rain forests.
However, They are a variety of pigeons that may grow over 18 inches in length, and their bodies are exceptionally robust overall.
Pheasant pigeons can be divided into four subspecies, and one can identify them by the color of the nape of their necks. However, These napes range in color from white to green to gray to black.
59. Gray Imperial Pigeon
A portion of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia are home to populations of this particular species of Pigeon. However, They are most common in primary forests of considerable age, although you can also find colonies of them in secondary woods.
It has a length of approximately 16 inches, making it one of the longest pigeons. In addition, They come in a variety of colors of gray across their surface. The alteration of its natural habitat and hunting has led to its vulnerability.
60. Kererū
Lastly on our compilation of different types of pigeons is the Kererū. The Kererū is a bird one can only find in its namesake habitat in New Zealand. It is also known as the New Zealand pigeon.
This particular variety of pigeons has become established in several of the island’s forests, where they thrive on the fruit of various trees.
They are a type of Pigeon that is approximately 20 inches in length. They are predominantly monogamous, just like most other pigeon species.
Their ability to reproduce is contingent on the resources available to them; birds that have access to fruit throughout the year can do so at any time of the year. Others will not breed due to a scarcity of food.
The Following Are Some Interesting and Unknown Facts on Different Types of Pigeons
We all commonly encounter these gorgeous birds in day-to-day life. Now that we’ve covered the various well-known breeds of pigeons found worldwide, it’s time to delve into some lesser-known but fascinating information about these birds.
- Pigeons have powerful muscles that aid in flight and are essential to the species’ survival. In addition, Their muscular capabilities vary according to their capacity to fly and their range.
- Pigeons are strictly herbivorous in their diet. Most of their diet consists of fruits, seeds, and other plant-based foods, as they are herbivores.
- They have a high level of intellect. In addition, they can recognize persons with faces similar to their own in photographs and in real life, and they can even identify themselves. It’s fascinating.
- These birds have hearing talents that are particularly attuned to their surroundings. They can identify impending storms, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes far earlier.
- Pigeons are very gregarious birds that prefer to congregate in large groups.
- Pigeons kept as pets tend to live shorter lives than their wild counterparts. Very few breeds even have a chance of surviving for about 30 years!
- Pigeons are even capable of recognizing individual words and letters. They can acknowledge graphic patterns and know between 30 and 40 English words. Hearing this is very startling.
- These birds are experts at juggling multiple responsibilities. They can swap jobs while maintaining the same level of productivity across all tasks.
- There are never any young pigeons found in the wild. After a month of incubation in the nest, they appear comparable to an adult’s.
- Finally, did you know pigeons were responsible for preventing the loss of over a thousand human lives during the Second World War? They brought vital information and messages, which assisted a lot of missions.
Conclusion
The fact that there are so many different types of pigeons in the world has certainly piqued our interest. However, It is pretty interesting to know and learn about the undiscovered variety, given that most of us are only familiar with several different types.
