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Step aside, fashion chickens; it’s time for a fancy pigeon to shine in the spotlight! The pigeon breeds that we see in cities are just the tip of the feathered iceberg. There are lots of beautiful and unusual pigeon species that many of us haven’t ever heard of.
To show you what we mean, Bored Panda has collected photos of the rarest and most fashionable fancy pigeons for you to enjoy. These beautiful birds are downright interesting when you start learning more about them. For example, some scientists argue that the common city pigeon (aka the rock pigeon) might have been the first bird humans have ever domesticated.
They’re featured as figurines, in mosaics, and on coins from ancient Mesopotamia since at least 4500 BC. Bored Panda contacted the Royal Pigeon Racing Association to learn more about these birds. Scroll down for our interview with them.
Let us know which breed of fancy pigeon you loved the most and why. We also know how much you love other animals, dear Pandas. So when you’re done enjoying this cool (or rather coo’) list, check out our other posts on extraordinarily beautiful birds or rare wild cats.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Pink-Necked Green Pigeon
DancingToMyself 5 years ago
Have you seen her all in gold, like the Queen in days of old...
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Perfumista Perfumista 5 years ago
I'm afraid of birds, but I think I might make an exception for this one.
DancingToMyself 5 years ago
I am definitely ornithophob, but I don't mind watching them through the screen. :)
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Melanie Crawford 5 years ago
I knew it! I saw a pink-headed pigeon eating out of my birdfeeder and I didn't see it's chest but the wings/tail looked blue-grey and everyone told me I was crazy. I'm NOT crazy, this bird was eating my wild bird seed!
RELATED:
#2
The Nicobar Pigeon
Nicely 5 years ago
Nicobar. No, Neeecobar. Nicobar. Neeeecobar. I feel like I'm saying it right?
#3
Victoria Crowned Pigeon
Charlotte A. 5 years ago
Not sure this qualifies as "something you probably haven't heard of", but maybe it's just because I have heard of it, multiple times, myself...
glowworm2 5 years ago
I've seen this one strutting around in zoos. They're gorgeous. What I didn't know, is that there are several species of crowned pigeon besides this one.
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Cathy Cee 5 years ago
Peacocks can have unusual head feathers, but it's their tail feathers that are impressive...
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glowworm2 5 years ago
You may want to withdraw that statement. These guys are pretty big!
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Prince Naki 3 years ago
Where to find this crown pigeon. And how much price please gide if anyone knows about this
The RPRA told us that pigeons are incredibly skilled and can reach speeds of over 70 miles (nearly 113 kilometers) per hour. “They have been used in both world wars due to their skills in speed endurance and their homing abilities,” the RPRA said.
The Association agrees that pigeons most likely were the first birds humans domesticated because of their trusting nature and calmness. “They also have the ability to return to a central location, so they are easy to keep—they always return. Meanwhile, pigeons have the ability to deliver messages; Julius Caesar used them in his battles to send messages to and from his troops and occupied areas.”
#4
Brown Frillback Pigeon
ƒιѕн 5 years ago
While they're able to fly much better than chickens, and can fly “normally” to escape predators or get out of a rut, making some of their flight feathers essentially useless means that to do so, they have to expend more energy than your average pigeon
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Spikey Bunny 5 years ago
Me too. It's sad to see a bird who can not fly properly.
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#5
Bronzewing Pigeon
Echo Kilo Hotel 4 years ago
You're confusing breeds (Brown Frillback, Jacobin) with species (Nicobar, Victoria Crowned). Breeds are selectively bred by humans for their appearance. All breeds are bred from the so-called Rats with Wings (thanks to Woody Allen in Stardust Memories), more properly referred to as the Rock Dove. Different breeds can all successfully breed with each other because their origin comes from the same species, and within three or so generations their appearance will revert to the common city pigeon, or Rock Dove. Different species cannot successfully procreate with each other, in the same way that humans cannot breed successfully with monkeys.
What Is the Best Fancy Pigeon Breed?
There are various extraordinary fancy pigeons, but the Ice pigeon is the most distinctive. This breed of domestic pigeon was developed over several years of selective breeding. The earliest known record of it was in Saxony and Silesia.
The Ice pigeon is known for its ice-blue color. It has several varieties that differ based on the type or color of their wing patterns. Some species have dark eyes, while others have reddish eyes.
Pigeons are fascinating, so scientists have even conducted a pigeon facial recognition study to see how they recognize each other. The results are fascinating and hilarious!
#6
Blue Crowned Pigeon
glowworm2 5 years ago
I never knew until recently that there were several kinds of crowned pigeons. I've only been familiar with the Victorian ones. These are gorgeous as well.
Cathy Proctor 5 years ago
I had no idea that pigeons had this much variety
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How Intelligent Is a Pigeon?
Some of us may have thought on more than one occasion that pigeons might be a bit on the dumb side. But that isn’t the case! Researchers published a study in 2017 proving that pigeons understand space and time concepts—much like humans and primates.
Pigeons are also expert navigators. They can find their way home from 1.3k miles (nearly 2.1k kilometers) away. The coolest part is that they can do this even if they’ve been taken from their nests and moved in complete isolation and rotated, so they don’t know which direction they’re moving in.
#7
Jacobin Pigeons
N G 5 years ago
I looked at this pigeon and i seriously thought it was wearing a coat with a high collar
M.J. 5 years ago
Presenting the new collection from Louis Pigeon (you have to pronounce it French :D )
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Mishka Katira 4 years ago
they look like they should be the evil villan in a kids book......
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jevais 5 years ago
Just horrible to have made selections transforming these poor birds turning them into monsters. Shame on these creeps breeders. There such be laws not allowing breeds radically change an animal's physical appearance. Heart breaking! Humans should stop playing God.
Donna Croce 5 years ago
It is very sad. All the dogs and cats we have "improved" to our liking have terrible health problems.
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#8
Indian Fantail
Binxyminxem 5 years ago
Reminds me of a white dove, which apparently derived from the rock pigeon (if I remember correctly, when me and my hubby got married we had doves released and the man who provided them told us! So sorry if I've remembered wrong)
#9
African Green-Pigeon
Perfumista Perfumista 5 years ago
Pigeon trying to get into the house by convincing you its a parakeet
Abigail Nagel 5 years ago
are you sure these aren't parrots? cause some of them look like parrots.
Bugzz 3 years ago
I think it's identity as a pigeon comes form the beaks shape, that swollen looking front of the beak
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Science still can’t explain why pigeons have this special skill of finding their way back from any direction. But one thing’s sure: humanity has known about pigeons’ navigational skills since at least 3000 BC. People used to set caged pigeons free and then follow them to nearby land.
Moreover, the ancient Greeks used to train pigeons to carry the results of the Olympics so that sports fans were always in the know! Pigeons are mysterious and beautiful birds, and we’re still discovering new things about their nature and behavior every year.
#10
Spinifex Pigeon
Daria B 5 years ago
While the world was deceived into believing cats were sent from aliens to rule the world, pigeons were diligently reporting to their masters (and our future overlords) with their head antennas all this time. Folks, it was pigeons all along. Cats were just trying to save us all this time!
Barbara Berg 5 years ago
Wow this really made my first thought be it's a pheasant really nice.
Mishka Katira 4 years ago
or a unipigeon! or a pigicorn? whatever you wanna call it.
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Grey Frillback Pigeon
BeazleBug 5 years ago
Not well. They do not actually exist in the wild and are the product of selective breeding of the species commonly known as the rock pigeon.
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Ajita Sahaji 3 years ago
The second one is so frilly, she can survive also in the north pole :)))
#12
Pied Imperial Pigeon
Xavier Wescott 5 years ago
he does have that look of an imperial on him, leading the empire with a cold talon!
Suhaira tasni 3 years ago
In my opinion it looks like a delicious creamy cheesecake. I really want one :'l
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Donna Croce 5 years ago
Strikingly beautiful and looks like a real functioning bird. Tiny head
#13
Ice Pigeon
Perfumista Perfumista 5 years ago
its waiting for bellbottoms to make a comeback
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#14
Lahore Pigeon
#15
Capuchine/Jacobin Mix
What Are Fancy Pigeon Breeds Used for?
These incredible birds are bred by pigeon fanciers for traits relating to their size, shape, color, or behavior. They are often exhibited at regional or national pigeon shows where pigeon fanciers come to watch and enjoy the birds in action.
There are more than 1,100 pigeon species worldwide, and no other domestic animal has such a variety. It is interesting to know that the extensive variations in pigeon breeds attracted the attention of Charles Darwin and played a significant role in developing his idea on evolution.
There are so many exotic pigeons for you to find and enjoy, like the Victoria Crowned pigeon, which has beautiful plumage and can grow to the size of a turkey!
#16
Red White Roller Pigeon
Sajjad Ahmad 4 years ago
What is the price of this bird plz reply me on my whatsapp number 03426257567
#17
Archangel Pigeons
#18
English Trumpeter Pigeon
Martha Meyer 5 years ago
Whoever thought “Let's breed a bird that can barely walk because it has feathers growing in the wrong place.“ needs to be slapped.
Sarah Stalder 5 years ago
Genetically modified pigeons...I am dumb-founded. Not all, clearly. AZ gAss
Mr. PERRY STAR 2 years ago
The feathered feet are called muffs. There awesome in winter keeping feet warm and make great snowshoes if walking on snow 🧐
Cathy Coyer 5 years ago
they can walk just fine. Providing another isn't standing on those leg feathers ;)
#19
English Barb
Rosh Ka 3 years ago
I guess English breeders had bad taste in selective breeding 🤦🏻♀️
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#20
Brunner Pouter Pigeon
Nicole Tomme 5 years ago
Ah the rarely seen but very popular Balloon Bird. Fun at parties. Self inflatable. But when they pop the feathers just go everywhere.
Martha Meyer 5 years ago
Whoever bred these also needs to be slapped. Don't breed animals to be in discomfort!
Gary Williams 5 years ago
They are not in discomfort. When pouters/croppers "blow" it is their sexual display. They aren't like that all the time.
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L1z4rd 5 years ago
How do these guys eat? I'm assuming that those are not inflatable throat sacks
How Do You Care for a Fancy Pigeon?
Your lovely, colorful pigeon should be kept in a spacious, sturdy, and well-maintained place. Here are a few tips to effectively care for your fancy pigeon:
- The pigeon’s cage should be at least 2x2x2 feet long. Since these birds are naturally inclined to fly, a bigger space is always better.
- If you are keeping them in a group, avoid overcrowding because it can increase the risk of disease and fights breaking out.
- Place the cage in a way that the pigeons have a view of the open sky.
- Fluffy pigeons should be kept in a dry cage. Avoid damp conditions, which can cause diseases to spread.
- Keep the birds away from direct sunlight.
Wild pigeons are also gentle and loving creatures. If you come across a feral pigeon, you should treat it with care. These fantastic creatures seem to have an intelligence beyond what we give them credit for. Just see how this pigeon stole poppies from a soldier’s grave and built a beautiful nest at a war memorial.
#21
Lahore Pigeon
Jennah Tadych 5 years ago
This lawhore (lahore) is the reason the English pigeon is called a carrier(herpe) pigeon. 🤣🤣🙈
Malakand3 HPC 4 years ago
what is the price of this 03426257567 reply on this number wahtsapp is also on this number
#22
Fantail Pigeon
Stepha Wilson 3 years ago
So many American fantails bred for showing are horribly deformed though :/
Cathy Coyer 5 years ago
would be more impressive photo if it were actually standing so all could see the fan.... just sayin'
Mishka Katira 4 years ago
ah, yes. The liquid pigeon in its natural habitat: the couch
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#23
Kabutar Pigeon
SirPatTheCat 5 years ago
Imagine that scene from Jurassic Park where the Trex is looking in the car window but instead it's this pigeon
SirPatTheCat 5 years ago (edited)
Lmao I so wisely spent my morning making this: I so wisely spent my morning making this https://imgur.com/gallery/QmMtdze
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Ankita Pattanayak 5 years ago
Kabutar is hindi for pigeon. So this one is called Pigeon pigeon?
#24
Old Dutch Capuchine
Steve 5 years ago
Errmmm is it wearing a patterned nappy/diaper, or did someone pluck it and tattoo it??
Charlotte 5 years ago
I was hoping for some evolutionary quirk that led to floral patterned tummies! David Attenborough: "When under attack the Old Dutch Capuchine will roll into its back and hide amongst the wildflowers, perfectly camouflaged by its unique abdominal markings"
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Lynn Moore 5 years ago
Thank heavens others saw this, was really getting worried about the water here!
jevais 5 years ago
Oh no! Tattoo on the poor dear's belly, they owner should be brought to justice for maltreatment of a bird. This is the worst ever that I've seen. Birds skins are very thin.
Angela Van Kell 5 years ago
It's not a tattoo. It's fabric it's wearing, a nappy.
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Black Helmet Pigeon
Bettye McKee 5 years ago
And those wing feathers are so perfectly blended.
Load More Replies... Bettye McKee 5 years ago
Elegant and classy. Couldn't they take it out of that messy cage to photograph it?
#26
Old Dutch Capuchine
fro_st puppy 5 years ago
im kinda sad they didnt mention the yellow footed green pigeon because i think its really pretty
#27
Unique Pigeon
Terri Rowland 5 years ago
It's wings are on its feet.. OMG it would be able to fly upside down..
#28
English Short-Faced Tumbler
Laugh Fan 5 years ago (edited)
Yes - and it has problems raising its own young because of it. Selective breeding doing harm yet again.
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Marianne Stolp 5 years ago
breathing problems? not natural, it will seriously harm the poor bird with eating
#29
German Modena Pigeon
Charlotte 5 years ago
This one makes me think of that "broke the internet" Kim Kardashian photo with the champagne. Work those curves, birdy!
Eva Bryson 5 years ago
This looks like a cross between a chicken and a pigeon. A Pigen or a Chikeon, or what?
#30
Oriental Frill Pigeon
sharron lynn parsons 5 years ago
Another moron, who thinks this bird, is happy ? Breeders of any critter, needs control !!!
Where to Buy a Fancy Pigeon in the US?
You can buy a fancy pigeon breed by showing a picture of the type you want at a pigeon farm. You will have a better chance of getting the right breed when you show a photo. Many pigeon farms also sell these birds online. Review your options and rely on customer reviews to pick the most reliable seller. The black fancy pigeon breed and Frillback pigeon are the easiest to buy. In comparison, tumbler pigeons are slightly more expensive.
Although you might want to buy a fancy pigeon, not everyone fancies pigeons. Just look at Lucy Topping’s story of how two pigeons invaded her home and caused chaos.
#31
Tumbler Pigeon
未周 陸 5 years ago
THERE, ie NOT Their! Hm ...... Tinder pigeon ... Tumblr pigeon?! Good idea!
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#32
English Carrier Pigeon
Jennah Tadych 5 years ago (edited)
Bro, you have a herpe on your beak, you are now a herpe carrier. 🤣
#33
Voorburg Shield Cropper
End Cat 5 years ago
Don’t worry, it doesn’t look like that all the time, it only blows up for sexual display, they normally look like this https://images.app.goo.gl/Mivc1sG2qBZYgSUs8
Load More Replies... Carlos Snt 5 years ago
i think they are not all the time like that, many animals "insufflate" in some occasions
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#34
Scandaroon Pigeon
Roo Bookaroo 5 years ago
It would have been very instructive to tell us where each species come from. What a shame this basic information is missing.
How Much Does a Fancy Pigeon Breed Cost?
Fancy pigeons can cost anywhere between $100–500 based on their breed, markings, colors, and size. Here are some notable species and their average cost:
- A Hungarian House pigeon costs $550
- An American Fantail costs $200
- Capuchine pigeons cost $100
- Tipplers cost $200
- Roller pigeons cost $125
Pigeon enthusiasts do spend a lot of money on these birds. One of the most notable and expensive purchases was for $1.4 million on a Belgian pigeon named Armando. Armando is a world-record-holding racing pigeon, which is why prices were sky-high!
Which Fancy Pigeon Caught Your Eye?
With these exceptional birds on display, it’s no wonder that one might have caught your fancy. Let us know which one you liked best and why. And if you weren’t a fan before, we’re guessing you probably are one now! Check out these relatable cartoon pigeon comics to see pigeons doing more fun things. It’s time to spread your wings like a pigeon and fly!
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Reirei 5 years ago
Some of these pigeons err on the side of designer dogs and cats, not fair on birds meant to fly.
sharron lynn parsons 5 years ago
You are so right, designer pigeons, some by people with no life, therefore, play with a life, you have no right to, some dog breeds are bad, and continue bad breeding of them, some dogs require corrective surgery, they did not ask for suffering, need some controlled breeding !!!
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Charlotte A. 5 years ago
Several of these are obviously bred rather than naturally evolved. It would have been nice if the page was split in two sections, one with wild pigeons and one with tame breeds.
Barbara Berg 5 years ago
Most of them, especially those with the curly feathers and feathers on weird places are "thoroughbreds" For shows, etc like with cats and dogs, saw a documentary covered almost every breed of domestic and wild pigeon species and was so fascinated to learn that there are so many beauties really than your plain old you always see outside and breeders use or keep as pets.
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L1z4rd 5 years ago
Missing the mighty NZ Kererū (or by its English name, wood pigeon). These are big birds, they always swoop down low when first taking off (one nearly hit me flying over our deck last week), and the sound of them flying by is so distinctive. Love them https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/nz-pigeon-kereru/
Jackieandherdad Page 5 years ago
these are wild pigeons in my garden P6060022-5...8bf8d2.jpg 
Richard Nowak 4 years ago
We have great bird picts' , but could not share. contact us at http://www.asaputah.org for more info. or mail@asaputah.org
rgray22@hotmail.com 4 years ago
Where could I buy some of these pigeons plse? Is there a particular site?
Hinky Bernard 5 years ago
I'M PUTTING IN MY FAVORITES.I DON'T WANT LOSE THEM .LOOKING AT THEM FROM TIME TO TIME.THEY ARE BEYOUND BEAUTIFUL,
Reirei 5 years ago
Some of these pigeons err on the side of designer dogs and cats, not fair on birds meant to fly.
sharron lynn parsons 5 years ago
You are so right, designer pigeons, some by people with no life, therefore, play with a life, you have no right to, some dog breeds are bad, and continue bad breeding of them, some dogs require corrective surgery, they did not ask for suffering, need some controlled breeding !!!
Load More Replies... Charlotte A. 5 years ago
Several of these are obviously bred rather than naturally evolved. It would have been nice if the page was split in two sections, one with wild pigeons and one with tame breeds.
Barbara Berg 5 years ago
Most of them, especially those with the curly feathers and feathers on weird places are "thoroughbreds" For shows, etc like with cats and dogs, saw a documentary covered almost every breed of domestic and wild pigeon species and was so fascinated to learn that there are so many beauties really than your plain old you always see outside and breeders use or keep as pets.
Load More Replies... L1z4rd 5 years ago
Missing the mighty NZ Kererū (or by its English name, wood pigeon). These are big birds, they always swoop down low when first taking off (one nearly hit me flying over our deck last week), and the sound of them flying by is so distinctive. Love them https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/nz-pigeon-kereru/
Jackieandherdad Page 5 years ago
these are wild pigeons in my garden P6060022-5...8bf8d2.jpg
Richard Nowak 4 years ago
We have great bird picts' , but could not share. contact us at http://www.asaputah.org for more info. or mail@asaputah.org
rgray22@hotmail.com 4 years ago
Where could I buy some of these pigeons plse? Is there a particular site?
Hinky Bernard 5 years ago
I'M PUTTING IN MY FAVORITES.I DON'T WANT LOSE THEM .LOOKING AT THEM FROM TIME TO TIME.THEY ARE BEYOUND BEAUTIFUL,
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