Do you like showing off your birds, or just enjoy looking at pretty ones? Meet the Frillback pigeon, one of the fanciest show pigeons you’ll ever come across! As is apparent from the name itself, this pretty pigeon breed has ‘curly’ feathers on its back. These curls in its feathers make the pigeon look frilly, hence making it one of the most sought-after show birds. To give you an idea of how loved this pigeon is, Charles Darwin had it!
Darwin got it from India, but the origin of this ornamental bird is still hazy. The when and where are unclear, though it is said to have originated somewhere in Eurasia. It is suspected that this curly-haired bird, known to Science as the Columba livia, is a result of hundreds of years of breeding, and that breeding aimed at creating a decorative bird. If you’ve ever been to a pigeon show, you have probably met this curly.
The Frillback pigeon comes in various colors – white, yellow, orange and more. All of these varieties are just as beautiful and used for show.
If you, however, are just looking to pet one, know that Frillback pigeons are some of the easiest pigeons to pet and raise, even when they are a tad bit larger than your everyday pigeons. All you have to do is give them a healthy diet and an open space to hop around. Yes, hop. These ornamental pageant winners can surely fly, but they love walking and hopping much more.
Even with curly and ‘wild’ wing-shield foot feathers, the Frillback pigeon happens to be very calm. If introduced from a young age, the fancy bird makes for pleasant company. However, don’t be disappointed if you try breeding and the offspring doesn’t have the coveted curls. These birds were created simply for show, and have three genes involved in their making. The breeding must be left to the learner, and the petting to us!
Curly hair has often been described as a beautiful crown of pride, but Frillback pigeons look like they’re wearing this pride as a cape!
Did you like the bird with curly feathers? You’ll love the bird with an afro!
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