Types
Pigeons and doves form the family Columbidae, with more than 300 wild species around the world. This section covers those wild birds, from familiar town and woodland pigeons to regional doves, and the domestic and fancy breeds developed from the rock dove. Each profile looks at identification, voice and range, or at a breed’s history and care.
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Types
Coburg Lark Pigeon: Breed Guide
Also known as the Gold Lark (Goldlerche), the Koburger Lark, the Coburg Lark Pigeon is a breed of domestic fancy pigeon that was developed over years of selective…
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Types
Eurasian Collared Dove Vs. Mourning Dove
The Eurasian collared dove and the mourning dove are two closely related doves that are easily confused. Telling them apart matters to hunters in the USA: the Eurasian…
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Types
Pink-Necked Green Pigeon (AKA Rainbow Pigeon): Breed Guide
The pink-necked green pigeon, also called the rainbow pigeon, is a green pigeon whose males have a pink neck. It is often described as one of the most…
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Types
Italian Owl Pigeon: Breed Guide
The Italian Owl pigeon is a small fancy pigeon originating in Italy as a result of many years of selective breeding. Origins of the Italian Owl Pigeon As…
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Types
Maltese Pigeon: Breed Guide
The Maltese pigeon is a tall, upright fancy pigeon breed. Despite its name, there is little evidence of any link to Malta: breed histories place its development in…
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Types
Seraphim Pigeon: Breed Guide
The Seraphim is an all-white show pigeon bred in East Moline, Illinois, USA, by the fancier Anne Ellis from her Classic Oriental Frills. Her reaction on first seeing…
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Types
Nicobar Pigeon: Breed Guide
The Nicobar pigeon is the only living member of the genus Caloenas in the pigeon family (Columbidae). It is often described as the closest living relative of the…
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Types
Mourning Dove: Breed Guide
The mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) is one of the most widespread and abundant birds in North America. It is named for its mournful call. Former names include Carolina…
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Types
Giant Runt Pigeon: Size, Name and Breed History
The Giant Runt pigeon is a very large domestic utility and show breed, today most often associated with American breeding. A 1920 USDA squab guide put mature Runt…
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Types
Eurasian Collared Dove: Breed Guide
The Eurasian collared dove – scientific name, Streptopelia decaocto – is native to Europe and Asia. Though the European and Asian continents are where the bird was originally…
