Pigeon Breeds, Stunning Varieties, and the Dove Intelligence!

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When you think of pigeons, you might picture those common birds strutting through city parks. But did you know there are hundreds of different types of pigeons around the world? From dazzling exotic pigeons with spectacular plumage to impressive racing pigeon breeds built for speed, the pigeon world is far more diverse and fascinating than most people imagine.

The universe of pigeon breeds, revealing rare, beautiful, and unique varieties. We’ll explore the pigeon species list, answer burning questions like “how many breeds of pigeons are there?” and show you beautiful pigeon images that might just make you fall in love with these incredible birds. Plus, we’ll tackle the unexpected question: are doves intelligent? Let’s get started!

How Many Types of Pigeons Are There?

It’s a question that stumps even seasoned bird enthusiasts: how many types of pigeons are there? Or, phrased differently, how many kinds of pigeons are there? The answer is surprisingly complex.

There are:

Over 350 species of pigeons and doves worldwide (the pigeon family is scientifically known as Columbidae).
Hundreds of pigeon breeds developed through centuries of selective breeding.
Countless pigeon varieties within these breeds, displaying different feather types, colors, and sizes.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how many breeds of pigeons are there, the answer is that pigeon breeders recognize anywhere from 200 to 800 breeds, depending on classification systems used in different countries.

Types of Pigeons: From Common to Exotic

Let’s explore the main types of pigeons you’ll find around the globe:

1. Feral Rock Pigeon

The classic “city pigeon”
An ancestor of many modern breeds
Found worldwide

2. Homing Pigeon

A type of racing pigeon breed
Famous for incredible navigation skills

3. Show Pigeons

Bred for exhibitions
Includes rare fancy pigeon breeds with extravagant feathers and shapes

4. Utility Pigeons

Bred for meat production (historically)

5. Exotic Pigeons

Stunningly beautiful and often rare
Includes breeds like the Frillback and Jacobin

6. Wild Pigeon Species

Examples include the Victoria Crowned Pigeon, the world’s largest pigeon species
Wild pigeon species list is extensive and diverse

Different Breeds of Pigeons

The diversity in pigeon breeds is truly breathtaking. Let’s explore some famous and fascinating breeds, many of which feature among enthusiasts’ lists of the top 10 pigeon breeds.

Racing Pigeon Breeds

Homing Pigeon: The ultimate racing bird
Belgian Racing Homer: One of the fastest racers
Janssen Pigeons: A legendary race pigeon breed known for winning bloodlines

Rare Fancy Pigeon Breeds

Some of the most coveted pigeon varieties are those bred for show:

Jacobin: Fluffy feather “hood” around the head
Frillback: Curled feather tips
Lahore: Large, gentle, and beautifully marked
Saxon Fairy Swallow: Stunning pattern and elegance
English Trumpeter: Feathered feet and elaborate head crests

These birds often appear in lists of rare fancy pigeon breeds, prized for their unique looks.

Black and White Pigeon Breeds

If you’re searching for elegant black and white pigeon breeds, check out:

Nun Pigeon: Black or colored hood over a white body
Saxon Shield: Black and white wing patterns
Old Dutch Capuchine: Striking color contrast

These make spectacular additions to pigeon shows and photography collections.

Largest Pigeon Breeds

Which is the largest pigeon breed in the world? That honor belongs to:

Victoria Crowned Pigeon
- Native to New Guinea
- Stands nearly 30 inches tall
- Weighs over 2 kilograms
- Features a beautiful lace-like crest

Other largest pigeon breeds include:

English Carrier Pigeon
Dragoon Pigeon
Giant Runt: The ultimate in biggest pigeon breeds, weighing several pounds and used historically for meat production.

Different Kinds of Pigeons Across the World

Pigeons are loved worldwide, and certain countries have unique connections with specific breeds:

Pigeons England: England boasts breeds like the English Carrier, English Trumpeter, and Exhibition Homer.
Pigeons in the Middle East: Breeds like the Syrian Damascene and Iraqi Baghdad Pigeon are prized for beauty and endurance.

Pet Pigeon Breeds

Not all pigeons are bred for racing or showing. Many people love pigeons as pets! Popular pet pigeon breeds include:

King Pigeon: Gentle giants, perfect for companions
Roller Pigeon: Famous for aerial acrobatics
Fantail Pigeon: Elegant, fan-shaped tail feathers
Modena: Cute and chunky, often docile

Beautiful Pigeon Images

If you’re a pigeon enthusiast, you’ll want to explore beautiful pigeon images online or in specialized books. From the shimmering iridescence of the Rock Pigeon to the crown of the Victoria Crowned Pigeon, pigeons are among the most photogenic birds.

Are Doves Intelligent?

Many people wonder, are doves intelligent? The answer is yes! Doves and pigeons (scientifically, doves and pigeons are in the same family) are highly intelligent birds:

They can recognize themselves in mirrors.
They can learn symbols and complex tasks.
They remember locations and faces for years.

So, if you’ve been underestimating your backyard pigeon or pet dove—think again!

Top 10 Pigeon Breeds Every Enthusiast Should Know

Let’s wrap up with a quick list of top 10 pigeon breeds that fascinate fanciers worldwide:

Homing Pigeon
Jacobin
Frillback
Fantail
Modena
English Trumpeter
Lahore
Saxon Fairy Swallow
Giant Runt
Victoria Crowned Pigeon

These represent a mix of racing, fancy, and exotic breeds, showcasing the incredible variety within the pigeon world.

FAQ

Q: How many types of pigeons are there?
A: Globally, there are over 350 wild pigeon and dove species and hundreds of domesticated pigeon breeds and pigeon varieties, totaling well over 800 recognized types if you include all regional variations.

Q: What are some rare fancy pigeon breeds?
A: Examples include the Jacobin, Frillback, Lahore, Saxon Fairy Swallow, and English Trumpeter. These rare fancy pigeon breeds often feature elaborate feather designs.

Q: What is the largest pigeon breed?
A: The Victoria Crowned Pigeon is considered the largest pigeon breed, standing up to 30 inches tall and weighing over 2 kilograms. Other biggest pigeon breeds include the Giant Runt and English Carrier.

Q: Are doves intelligent?
A: Yes! Doves, closely related to pigeons, show remarkable intelligence, including self-recognition, learning abilities, and strong memory skills.

Q: What pigeon breeds make good pets?
A: Great pet pigeon breeds include the King Pigeon, Fantail, Modena, and Roller Pigeon, all known for calm temperaments.

Q: Are there black and white pigeon breeds?
A: Yes. Black and white pigeon breeds like the Nun Pigeon, Saxon Shield, and Old Dutch Capuchine are prized for their striking contrast.

If you’re fascinated by pigeons, remember there’s always more to explore. Whether you’re a breeder, racer, birdwatcher, or casual admirer, the world of pigeon breeds offers endless beauty and wonder.

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Mind-Blowing Pigeon Secrets: Discover 30+ Pigeon Breeds, Stunning Varieties, and the Surprising Truth About Dove Intelligence!