May 12, 2023
By Sonakshi Kandhari
Pigeons may seem ordinary, but possess rare qualities. They date back as early as the Mesopotamian Civilisation. Pigeons fly at lightning speed and were used in historical times as mail carriers. Besides ordinary pigeons, there are other lesser-known, beautiful ones.
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One of the world’s most colourful birds, it is a sight you do not want to miss. It has a clearly distinguishable alien-like ‘coo’ and can be found fluttering around mangroves, parks or gardens. The male version of this pigeon has a powdery pink neck, a bright-orange breast, a yellow belly and a greyish-blue head. The female one is comparatively green in colour.
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If you happen to spot this bird, forgetting it is impossible because it is one of the most beautiful pigeons or doves. Loitering solitarily, it's a sight with its bluish-green colouring, coppery grey head and white tail. True to its name, this bird resides in the Nicobar Islands. It is also found in the Philippines, Malaysia,Vietnam, Indonesia and Solomon Islands.
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Redefining uniqueness, these pigeons have a frill and perfectly shaped curls. They come in varied colours and patterns. This bird, with its striking appearance, often finds use in shows. Besides its good looks, this bird is also known for its gentleness, which makes it a great pet.
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This pigeon gets its name from one of the Victorian queens of the 1800s. This pigeon, apart from having a lacy crown on its head, also has three titles to its name: it is the world’s fattest, largest and most glamorous pigeon. Once they take a liking to their partner, they stick together for life. Another rarity is its ability to produce milk, which feeds their nestlings.
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As the name suggests, this pigeon’s feathers are fan-shaped. This is because this breed is selectively bred. When this pigeon is flying or in a gleeful mood, you can see its fan-shaped feathers extend out in all their glory. Being curious, calm and friendly makes this pigeon the perfect pet. It could be white, black, grey, blue or red.
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A descendant of the rock pigeon, this pigeon goes way back in time. This bird gets its name from a set of French monks who wore distinctive hoods. The feather arrangement of this bird forms a hood-like shape, making it appear larger than it actually is. This bird is sought after not just for its beauty but also for its intelligence. Its graceful flying and acrobatics are greatly admired.
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Bred in Germany, this pigeon, along with many other pigeons, is a descendant of the rock pigeon. With its calm demeanour, this pigeon would be a wonderful pet. Known for its swift speed and high-level stamina, it qualifies as a racing bird. Irresistibly cute, these pigeons are broad-chested, plumper and mostly white or black.
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Mostly found in Africa, these birds are mostly found fluttering in canopies. Similar to a parrot, this bird has the ability to pluck its fruit off the tree. Hence, they are more commonly found in areas where there are fruit-bearing trees. Apart from its distinct greenish-yellow colouring and the maroon patch on its wings, it makes a distinctive sound that goes like ‘ thweeloo’.
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One of the most ornamental pigeon breeds, it gets its name from the unique sounds it makes. It has a crest-shaped covering around it, and what’s rare about it is the large muff on its feet. This pigeon is well-mannered and good-looking. But it does not prefer flying or doing anything much, rather because it is a lazy bird.
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This pigeon has its roots in the Mughal Empire. As per some findings, it was bred in Lahore, which was ruled by the Mughals. Perhaps this contributes to the regal charm it exudes. With their distinct round head, short beak, plump body and bright eyes, they are easily one of the most popular pigeons. This bird also expresses signs of courtship before mating.