Pigeons in several countries and states are popular and are the best choice among pets for many. Do you know the reason? For centuries, Pigeons have been equated with being something magical – besides their beauty outside, they are known to be loyal, resilient, and friendly. We all already know Pigeons are famous as messenger carriers of letters and notes before the onset of the internet and telephones. But besides the general knowledge, what else do you know about Pigeons around the world?
These birds are pretty adaptable and can live in all continents and countries. They have made the entire planet their home. People across cultures define pigeons in several ways. Most people also equate pigeons with the symbol of love and peace. Besides these, these birds are also seen as symbols of sacrifice, social, dream, kindness, and understanding. Today, let us discover some interesting facts and unknown news about a few of the best pigeons in the world.
30 Different Types of Pigeons (Kabootar):
Also known as kabootar/kabutar in India, pigeons have long been associated with humans for over 5000 years. They have occupied and marked their presence in several countries, continents and regions, including the countryside and cities. They were popular with individual breeders and athletes and even used during wars.
There are two main types of pigeons worldwide: domestic and feral. While domestic pigeons are mostly used as hobby or food, feral pigeons can be found near urban and wild settings. They are wild birds that should be left alone and have adapted to live in different surroundings.
Today, we will provide you with some exciting facts about the top 30 types of Pigeon breeds and species worldwide, along with pictures of them.
1. Tippler Pigeon:
Tippler pigeons, a domestic pigeon breed, originated around 1845. They are crossbred between Homing and Cumulet pigeons. Tippler pigeons are mostly developed to participate in competitions. They are well-trained, intelligent, and known for their strength.
- Breed name: Tippler – no exact origin of the breed known
- Cost: 10-20 pounds
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Size: Medium
- Flying range: Excellent; even up to 20 hours
- Colour: Many
- Use: Exhibitions; competitions
2. Jacobin Pigeon:
This Asiatic pigeon is a fancy type of bird that only has selective breeding. Popular for its appearance with a feathered hood over the head area, it is a descendant of the rock pigeon. This is one of the oldest pigeon breeds, where the head is hidden with six feathers, giving it a fluffy appearance, and it has bare legs. This elegant bird dates back to the 1500s.
- Breed name: Jacobin
- Cost: Around $100
- Origin: India
- Size: Small to medium
- Flying range: Average
- Color: Blue, black, yellow, silver and white
- Use: Exhibitions
3. Roller Pigeon:
The roller pigeon is another type of fancy pigeon developed with selective breeding techniques. It is a domesticated pigeon known from the 1870s onwards. They have long wings and are known as bold and aggressive birds. They may be aggressive, but they look quite sweet, don’t they?!
- Breed name: Oriental roller/Birmingham roller/ Turkish oriental roller
- Cost: 10 pounds
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Size: Medium to Large
- Flying range: Excellent
- Color: Many, including white, black, grey
- Use: Flying purpose
Also Read: Different Types of Parrots
4. Fantail Pigeon:
The Fantail pigeon is among the oldest breeds of birds. With its fan-shaped tail and silky feather textures, it looks lovely and charming. These beautiful birds have several sub-varieties that originated from China, India, Pakistan, and Spain. These include Indian fantail, English fantail, Thai fantail, and so on.
- Breed name: Fantail
- Cost: INR 2000
- Origin: India
- Size: Average medium-sized
- Flying range: Average
- Color: Many, including white, black, grey and silver
- Use: Exhibitions and as pets
5. Pouter Pigeon:
Pouter regions are popular with several subspecies across the West. It is a domestic fancy pigeon type with tall legs and a larger upper body. The heads of these pigeons are smaller in size. The famous sub-variants in the same include English pouter and Brunner pouter.
- Breed name: Pouter
- Cost: $150
- Origin: UK and Czech Republic
- Size: Medium to large
- Flying range: Good
- Color: White, black, grey commonly
- Use: Exhibition or shows
6. English Carrier Pigeon:
This breed of domestic pigeon is from the United Kingdom, which was mainly developed for sending messages. It was developed in the process of selective breeding near England, hence its name. With a long, slender body and neck, it has a distinctive appearance compared to the other bread. These were among the most common and popular pigeons known to many!
- Breed name: English Carrier
- Cost: $50
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Size: Medium
- Flying range: Excellent
- Color: Mainly dark grey and black
- Use: Flying purpose
7. Old German Owl Pigeon:
This fancy breed of pigeon was originally developed in Germany in the 1960s. It can be clearly distinguished from other pigeons due to its charming and beautiful appearance. It is light in weight and delicate, with a short neck and silver gull markings. Most people prefer to have them for ornamental purposes.
- Breed name: Old German Owl
- Cost: $60 average
- Origin: Germany
- Size: Average
- Flying range: Good
- Color: White and silver mainly, and many other colors
- Use: Pets or exhibition purpose
8. Chinese Own Pigeon:
Despite the name, the Chinese Owl Pigeon isn’t from China but is instead developed in India and Spain. Given the round head and short beak, they are named owl pigeons. Also popularly known as Whiskered Owl Pigeon, they have frilled feathers and are best as pets.
- Breed name: Chinese Owl
- Cost: around $100
- Origin: India or Spain
- Size: Small
- Flying range: Average
- Color: Black, blue-grey, brown, white, white and black
- Use: Pets, shows
9. Homing Pigeon:
This domestic pigeon is known for its homing ability to return to its nest (the home), hence the name. They are also known for their flying skills despite the long distances, and hence, they were also used in competitions in the early days. These pigeons were also called ‘messenger pigeons’ for providing emergency communications until 2002.
- Breed name: Homing
- Cost: an average of above $100
- Origin: Depends on a variety
- Size: Medium
- Flying range: Excellent
- Color: Mostly grey and black
- Use: messengers, flying competitions
10. Racing Pigeon:
One among the latest and newest breeds in the pigeon varieties, these birds are known for the sport of racing. They are very selectively bred for speed and enhanced characteristics of sport. It has a very slim and slender body structure with clear eyes and red legs.
- Breed name: Racing
- Cost: depending on breeding, from 100s to 1000s dollars
- Origin: Belgium
- Size: Average
- Flying range: Excellent
- Color: Many, mostly grey and black
- Use: Flying and racing
11. Frill Back Pigeon:
If you ask which is the top fancy and beauty breed in pigeon birds, the frill-back type is among the famous ones. These ancient birds are known for their gorgeous frills and feathers. Their muffs and longer tail feathers with distinct eyes and red or blue grizzles are quite fascinating.
- Breed name: Frill back
- Cost: Average of $30-80
- Origin: Asia
- Size: Medium to large
- Flying range: Average
- Color: Grey, white and black, yellow, silver and more
- Use: Exhibition and shows
12. Helmet Pigeon:
Helmet pigeons are among the oldest breeds, having existed from the 15th century onwards. They are popular for their unusual and unique appearance, with a helmet-like short mini hood near the head and a cobby appearance. They are known to be adaptable and hence were among the most preferred pigeon types as pets during ancient times.
- Breed name: Helmet
- Cost: Average of $100
- Origin: Germany
- Size: Medium
- Flying range: Average
- Color: White
- Use: Pets and Exhibitions
13. Dragoon Pigeon:
Although not known to many, the dragoon pigeon is the primary breed used to develop Racing pigeons. This type of pigeon is unique in that it stands erect and bold, with a blunt beak and broad wedge head. It is active and alert and, hence, is preferred as a pet in some countries.
- Breed Name: Dragoon
- Cost: $25
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Size: Average medium
- Flying range: Good
- Color: Black and blue-bar, blue check and white
- Use: Pets, Exhibitions
14. Nun Pigeon:
Known for its beautiful white and black body with nun-shaped heads and distinctive shapes, the nun pigeon is specifically developed for exhibition or show purposes. They are beautiful and healthy. They are not very rampantly found and are relatively smaller in numbers.
- Breed name: Nun
- Cost: $20-30
- Origin: Europe
- Size: Medium
- Flying range: Good
- Color: Many, including white, black and grey
- Use: Exhibitions, pets
15. Modena Pigeon:
Derived from the place name Modena in Italy, this selective breed is among the world’s top show and exhibition pigeon varieties. They have a beautiful and unique appearance with uplifted wings and a large chest. Gentle in nature, they are calm but can get aggressive when not in a good environment.
- Breed name: Modena
- Cost: $150 average
- Origin: Italy
- Size: Medium
- Flying range: Good
- Color: Many, including white, red, black, grey and more.
- Use: Exhibitions and shows
Also Read: Different Types Of Penguins
16. Lahore Pigeon:
These ornamental pigeon variants are known for their fascinating plumage and colourful looks, as well as their heavy feathers and broad chests. They are shy but can be tamed and domesticated easily. Although originally from Lahore, Pakistan, this breed is mainly developed in Germany and Iran after being imported to these countries in the 1800s.
- Breed name: Lahore
- Cost: PKR 10000
- Origin: Pakistan
- Size: Medium
- Flying range: Average
- Color: White body color with different markings such as brown, black, blue and red
- Use: Pets, exhibitions
17. Satinette Pigeon:
Also known as Old fashioned frill pigeons, these breed of birds are from the family of owls. In ancient days, they are especially known to be developed for Turkish empires and Sultans and are not accessible to common people. However, in the modern-day era, they are quite popular among many, for enchanting appearance and extremely beautiful looks.
- Breed name: Setinette
- Cost: Average of $50
- Origin: Turkey
- Size: Small
- Flying range: Average
- Color: Mostly white and black
- Use: Exhibitions
18. Swift Pigeon:
Egyptian Swifts are the most popular type of bird. They are traditional ancient day birds raised for flying. Known for their long tail, short beaks, and wings, they have an uncommon and unpopular style of look that fascinates most pet lovers. They are available in different types, such as Safi, Cotati, Halaby, Absy, Bolk, Asmar, and more.
- Breed name: Egyptian Swift
- Cost: Unknown
- Origin: Egypt, available in other countries in different colors
- Size: Medium to large
- Flying range: Very good
- Color: Black, brown and white
- Use: Flying purpose
19. Indian Gola Pigeon:
This native area bird is quite popular in India and is very rare in other countries. The Indian Gola Pigeons are mostly domesticated birds with Northen Indian farmers, helping in spilling out the grains and seeds in the harvest. They are lighter and smaller in size and weight.
- Breed name: Indian Gola
- Cost: INR 800-1000
- Origin: India
- Size: Small to medium
- Flying range: Very good
- Color: Many, mostly in White and grey color
- Use: Flying
20. African Owl Pigeon:
This domesticated pigeon, with its unique appearance and mannerism, has been developed over the years through selective breeding techniques. It originated from Africa, hence the name, although it has been imported to England for centuries. Due to its short beak and owl-shaped size, this bird has the name owl breed. It can be easily tamed and domesticated.
- Breed name: African Owl
- Cost: around $150
- Origin: Tunisia, Africa
- Size: Medium to large
- Flying range: Good
- Color: Many, including white African owl, brown, black and more
- Use: Pets
21. Archangel Pigeon:
Known for its metallic sheen in feathers and copper-coloured shining head, the Archangel pigeon is a very valued breed of pigeon. They are kept mostly for ornamental looks – for obvious reasons – they are quite fascinating and appealing in looks!
- Breed name: Archangel
- Cost: Unknown
- Origin: Dalmatia
- Size: Medium
- Flying range: Good
- Color: Black, white, blue and bronze colored
- Use: Fancy shows and exhibitions
22. Armenian Tumbler:
This breed of Tumbler regions, originated from Armenia are known for its beautiful white coloured feathers and body with pink beak and distinct markings near the neck. They are known to be very strong, and yet one has to be smooth in tackling them. The interesting thing in this breed is the presence of feathers even near their feet.
- Breed name: Tumbler
- Cost: Unknown
- Origin: Armenia
- Size: Medium
- Flying range: Excellent
- Color: Mostly white
- Use: Flying
23. Carneau Pigeon:
Unlike many other pigeon types, the Carneau is a wild feral pigeon. Although they are domesticated birds, they have a bold and healthy appearance, with a heavier body and bright color. They are mainly utility birds, which are popular to eat as squab.
- Breed name: Carneau
- Cost: over $150
- Origin: France and Belgium
- Size: Large
- Flying range: good
- Color: Can vary between brown, black and white markings
- Use: Utility bird
24. Coburg Lark Pigeon:
Also called as Koburger Lark or a Gold lead lark, they are popular as the finest bird species in pigeons due to their pattern and resemblance to doves. They appear very elegant, and well-tamed, aren’t furious and instead are known for their reserved yet friendly behavior. They do not like being handled.
- Breed name: Coburg Lark
- Cost: over 80 pounds
- Origin: Germany
- Size: Medium
- Flying range: Good
- Color: Mostly with white and greyish brown neck, may vary
- Use: Utility bird
25. Damascene Pigeon:
The Damascene pigeon, popular as one of the oldest birds around 3000 years old, has striking features and appearance. With very bright dark eyes and elegant feathers, they are strong and intelligent birds with a life span of over 10 years. Although the bird is used for utility purposes in Europe, it is a show breed in the US.
- Breed name: Damascene
- Cost: around $100
- Origin: Damascus
- Size: Medium
- Flying range: Good
- Color: White and black
- Use: Utility or show
26. Ice Pigeon:
The oldest of German Pigeons, the ice pigeon is popular and known to have been cross-bred by Charles Darwin to ascertain colors and patterns. They have an ice-blue color variation with a smooth body and textured patterns in the wings. Further, they are calm and gently beautiful with a unique and bright appearance.
- Breed name: Ice
- Cost: over $150
- Origin: Germany
- Size: Medium
- Flying range: Average
- Color: White and ice blue
- Use: Exhibition and pets
27. Lucerne Gold Collar Pigeon:
Originating from Switzerland, the Lucerne Gold Collar fancy pigeon is popular for its gold-coloured neck and grey head. Hence the name, gold collar. They were developed in the 19th century and are popular mostly in the native regions of the country itself.
- Breed name: Lucerne Gold Collar
- Cost: Unknown
- Origin: Switzerland
- Size: Medium
- Flying range: Good
- Color: Grey, white and gold color
- Use: Flying and exhibitions
28. Ukrainian Skycutter Pigeon:
Also known as Polish Orlik, these excellent high-flying pigeons originated from areas of southern Ukraine. They are mostly very hardy yet active and never docile. Not many can raise them as pets, as they are difficult to manage.
- Breed name: Skycutter
- Cost: over $30
- Origin: Ukraine
- Size: Medium
- Flying range: Excellent
- Color: Black, bronze, red and yellow mainly
- Use: Flying purpose
29. Saxon Shield Pigeon:
This beautiful oblong-shaped bird is popular for its beautiful shape and feather patterns. It has long and curvy muff feathers, making it distinct and unique compared to other breeds. They are mainly raised for beauty and add value with their calm and good behaviour.
- Breed name: Saxon Shield
- Cost: Unknown
- Origin: Germany
- Size: Medium to large
- Flying range: Average
- Color: White with black, red, brown and more colors
- Use: Exhibitions and shows
30. Serbian Highflyer Pigeon:
Developed initially in Serbia, these beautiful birds are popular for their endurance in flying and performance. Their skill and abilities are competitive, and they are muscular with short and stout bodies and long wings. These birds cannot be found outside the native region.
- Breed name: Serbian Highflyer
- Cost: over $40, can vary
- Origin: Serbia
- Size: Medium to large
- Flying range: Excellent
- Color: Many, including grey, black and more
- Use: Flying
#Interesting and Unknown Facts about Pigeons:
We all often encounter these beautiful birds in daily life. Now that we have learned about different and popular varieties of pigeons across the globe let us unwind some interesting and unknown facts about them.
- Pigeons have strong muscles that help them fly. Their muscular abilities vary depending on their flying ability and range.
- Pigeons are only herbivores. They are plant eaters, and their diet mainly consists of fruits, seeds and small plants.
- They are intelligent. They can recognise similar people in pictures and daily life and even recognize themselves. Interesting isn’t it!
- These birds are very sensitive in their hearing abilities. They can detect storms, volcanos and earthquakes much before.
- Pigeons are social animals and love to be only in groups.
- Wild pigeons survive for greater age than domestic ones. Few breeds can even survive for around 30 years!
- Pigeons can even distinguish words and letters. They can identify visual patterns and know about 30-40 English words. This is quite shocking to hear!
- These birds are great at multitasking. They can switch jobs and still complete the tasks at the same speed.
- You can never find baby pigeons outside. They live in their nest for a month and look similar to adults.
- Last but not least, did you know pigeons saved more than thousands of human lives during world wartime? They delivered critical updates and messages that helped several missions and the army.
Well, we are quite fascinated to know about the several types of pigeons worldwide. Given that most of us only know a few varieties, it is quite interesting to know and learn the unknown. Let us know your thoughts!
