Pigeons around the world include species with such striking beauty that many of us may not be aware of. The following list of the top 8 most beautiful and unique pigeon breeds will introduce you to these extraordinary birds.
Pigeons are symbolic of peace and love. They are not only common and familiar in Vietnam but also worldwide. Beyond the typical pigeon breeds we often see, our planet is home to many other pigeon species with extraordinarily attractive and impressive appearances that will surely leave you in awe. Let’s explore the top 8 most beautiful and unique pigeon breeds in the world.
1. VICTORIA CROWNED PIGEON – OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE “BEAUTY QUEEN” OF THE PIGEON FAMILY
Image of The Victoria Crowned Pigeon
The Victoria Crowned Pigeon is among the largest members of the pigeon family. Its most distinctive feature, setting it apart from other pigeons, is its enormous fan-shaped crest, colored in a mix of white and bluish-purple, resembling a peacock with its tail feathers spread.
2. FRILLBACK PIGEON – WITH ITS DISTINCTIVE CURLY FEATHERS
Highly coveted by pigeon fanciers, the Frillback is admired both for its relatively calm temperament and for its uniquely curled or frilled plumage.
Believed to have originated somewhere in Asia Minor, the Frillback is the result of many years of selective breeding. Its trademark is the frilled or curled feathers on its wings and sometimes on the leg and vent feathers.
Slightly larger than most pigeon breeds, with longer tail and wing feathers, it is considered one of the most elegant pigeon breeds and is a frequent contender in pigeon beauty shows.
Image of Frillback pigeon
3. NICOBAR PIGEON – A STUNNING SIGHT TO BEHOLD
Image of Nicobar pigeon
The Nicobar Pigeon is a rare bird of captivating beauty, measuring around 40 cm in length.
It has a greyish-blue head that blends seamlessly into its iridescent neck feathers. Its tail is short and pure white. The rest of its plumage shimmers in metallic green with brilliant flashes of pink, magenta, orange, emerald, and turquoise. With such resplendent feathers, many people imagine this bird as something straight out of paradise.
They inhabit the Nicobar Islands Biosphere Reserve in the Indian Ocean and can also be found in dense forests on smaller offshore islands in Asia and Oceania.
4. JACOBINS (LION-HEADED PIGEON)
Image of Lion-headed Pigeon
The Jacobin Pigeon, believed to have appeared in Europe in the 16th century, has been selectively bred over many years.
Its name comes from the dense, upright ruff of feathers around its neck, resembling a lion’s mane.
Thought to have descended from a breed originating in India or Cyprus, today’s Jacobin Pigeon has a slender body, medium size, and tapered tail. The neck feathers, which may be black, white, brown, or other colors, stand erect and even rise above the head. Due to the height of these feathers, Jacobins are poor fliers, often remaining on the ground to forage.
They eat sparingly, making their care more challenging.
5. PINK-NECKED GREEN PIGEON
This species is distinguished by its rainbow-hued plumage and melodious call.
It is commonly found throughout Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.
Image of Pink-necked Green Pigeon
6. BUDAPEST SHORT-FACED TUMBLER – “BULGING-EYED PIGEON”
A descendant of the rock pigeon, the Budapest Short-faced Tumbler is a rare breed with an unusual appearance — large, protruding eyes as if ready to pop out, a tiny beak, and a triangular head shape.
Many compare its appearance to that of an alien. Primarily found in Hungary, it was developed by breeders there in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for profit. Remarkably, it can fly continuously for up to 5 hours, covering distances of around 800 km.
Image of Budapest Short-faced Tumbler
7. SPINIFEX PIGEON
Listed on the IUCN Red List, the Spinifex Pigeon inhabits arid regions of Australia.
Image of Spinifex pigeon
8. BRUNNER POUTER PIGEON
This breed has a strikingly unique appearance with a small, slender, elegant body and long legs.
It is often kept for exhibition purposes or as a pet.
Image of Brunner Pouter pigeon
With such extraordinarily beautiful pigeons, their care is certainly meticulous. Remember to supplement their diet with products like INTROVIT A ORAL and ELECTROMIX WS to keep them healthy and their plumage sleek and glossy.
Armed with this list of the top 8 most beautiful pigeon breeds in the world, you can now expand your collection to include rare and uniquely attractive pigeons.