The mention of pigeons can, in some instances, cause a negative reaction. City apartment dwellers, owners of businesses, and a lot of the general public look at them as nuisances, something to be destroyed or at the least discouraged. Wild pigeons live in flocks and can build nests in inconvenient places. Their splatter can ruin a paint job and make unsightly blotches on sidewalks and streets. Other people revel in pigeon keeping and there are specific breeds that are coveted for their meat, beauty and flying/tumbling qualities.
Utility Pigeons
The term utility when applied to pigeons means a bird that is kept mainly for breeding. People have eaten young pigeons 'squabs' for centuries. It was common for European farmers and even townspeople to erect buildings known as dove cotes where the pigeons could nest and reproduce so they had a ready, inexpensive meal for the table. A utility pigeon is generally stocky with a large breast and some, especially the Giant Runt, have been known to weigh more than three pounds. Utility breeds include the Modena, Show King, Texas Pioneer and others.
Fancy Pigeons
"Fancy pigeons" is self-explanatory. These breeds are admired for their beauty and style. Birds are carefully selected for color, demeanor and genetic background. Fancy pigeons can include the swallow breeds which have specific colors and marking patterns. Some have muffed feet. The owl and frill breeds are known for their unusual and remarkable feathers. The color breeds are bred for exact color and markings, while the structure breeds, which includes the Indian Fantail and the Old Dutch Capuchine, for their 'fans' or the upright positioning of the body. A subdivision of the fancy pigeons is the Trumpeter Breeds which encompasses the Thailand Laughers, a bird that makes a sound similar to human laughter.
Performance Pigeons
This category includes the tumblers, homers, highfliers and rollers. Watching a group of performance pigeons doing their tumbling tricks and flying high into the sunlight is one of the most amazing sights. Some roll, some tumble, and some take the path straight up. They are sheer beauty in motion. Among this group are the Galician Highflier, the Komorner Tumbler and the Show Roller. There is a breed known as the Parlor Tumblers which can't fly but do their flips on the ground. Racing homers are included in the performance pigeons. For more on the hobby of racing pigeons refer to Racing Pigeons, Sport of Kings.
Enjoying the Hobby
If you are interested in rare pigeons as a hobby there are a number of books available. Some encompass housing, feeding and general care. An online article about General Pigeon Information for Beginners can be found at a hatchery site which also has birds that can be purchased. Another website you may want to visit is the Rare Breeds Pigeon Club. They can direct you to other breeders and regional and local clubs.
Sources:
Pigeons of North America in the 21st Century, A National Pigeon Association Publication, 2005
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