The Most Unusual Pigeons You’d Actually Like To See In Your City
When you think of pigeons, you would typically imagine the classic pigeons you see harassing people at the park, but did you know that there are well over 30 species of pigeons, in all shapes, sizes, and colors?
Pigeons are birds that are often overlooked, but they deserve more hype. They've been trained to read words, interpret paintings, and are even thought to be good at identifying cancers, plus they're pretty impressive to look at!
Pink-Necked Green Pigeon Here To Prove You Wrong
If you thought that pigeons could only ever be gray and boring, the pink-necked green pigeon (as well as every other pigeon you're about to see) is here to prove you wrong.
Curls Get The Girls For The Frillback Pigeon
There's no way that those curls are natural, is there? The frillback pigeon is a result of years of selective breeding, so technically, you could argue they're not natural frills, but we're willing to let that go.
The Judgmental Jacobin Pigeon
Named after the Jacobin order of monks who were known for their distinctive hooded clothing, the Jacobin pigeon looks like she's ready to brave a winter storm, or potentially overthrow a kingdom.
Only The Best For The Brunner Pouter Pigeon
Does anyone else get the feeling that the Brunner pouters are better than you, and they know it? Thanks to the elegant feathers they have around their necks, this is one high-class looking bird.
The Fabulous Indian Fantail
The Indian fantail pigeon looks like if they were a person, they would be someone who was rich enough to not have to check a price tag before they bought something.
The Small But Mighty Spinifex Pigeon
A member of the bronzewing pigeon group, the spinifex pigeon isn't known for its rainbow-like feathers, but it's certainly memorable to look at. It's also referred to as the plumed-pigeon, for obvious reasons.
Norwich Cropper Pigeon Ready To Fight
You're telling me if this Norwich cropper pigeon came walking up to you on the street, searching for a stray french fry, you wouldn't be a little intimidated by that chest?
What's Common About The Bronzewing?
There is nothing ordinary about the common bronzewing pigeon thanks to its colorful iridescent feathering on the wings. Native to Australia, the bronzewing is able to live in almost any habitat.
Heavy Is The Head Of The Victoria-Crowned Pigeon
Native to New Guinea, it's evident where the Victoria-crowned pigeon gets its name from, thanks to the blue lace-like crests that sit atop its head. Regal doesn't seem like a good enough word to describe her.
Sound The Alarm For The Trumpeter Pigeon
The English trumpeter pigeon is a "voice" pigeon, known for its strange vocalizations and calls. Considered to be a gentle, shy, even lazy breed, the English trumpeter doesn't fly or breed well, but they're pretty to look at.
The All-Natural Nicobar Pigeon
The Nicobar pigeon, hailing from the Nicobar Islands, is said to be the closest living relative of the extinct dodo bird, but they're not at risk of going extinct. Thanks to the lack of predators on the Nicobar Islands, this bird can be as brightly colored as he wants without any concerns.
The Classy Old Dutch Capuchine
The old Dutch Capuchine pigeon looks similar to the Jacobin pigeon, but a little less dramatic. They still look like they spend every day wearing a pearl necklace and Chanel No. 5, but their hood is a little smaller than the Jacobin's.
Bane, Or An English Barb Pigeon?
Let's address the elephant in the room and talk about what's going on with the English barb's beak and eyes. Much like roosters and other birds, the English barb has a rounded hard wattle around its eyes and peak.
English Short-Faced Tumbler
It's pretty clear as to why this breed is named the "short-faced tumbler." This breed is a result of years of selective breeding, originating in England, and comes in a variety of different color combinations
We'd Be Archenemies With The Archangel Pigeon
We feel slightly attacked by the fact that this pigeon is prettier than us... The metallic sheen of the archangel pigeon is its most notable feature, and seeing as they're an ornamental breed, they need to look good.
English Carrier Pigeon
No longer fully functioning carrier birds, the English carrier pigeons get to enjoy their retirement and live out life as a show bird. Just like the English barb, the English carrier develops a hard wattle on its beak and eyes.
The Scurrying Scandaroon
An ancient, distinct breed of pigeon, thanks to their uniquely curved beaks, these birds were referred to by Darwin as Scandaroon runts. Scanadaroon is the Turkish word for Alexander, and it's possible that these birds were used as carriers for Alexander The Great.
A Moment To Think With The African Green Pigeon
Did you know that studies have found that pigeons can understand the concept of space and time? Thanks to the...attentive eyes on this African green pigeon, he looks like he's really grappling with that concept.
Can We See More Of The Lahore?
Known for its impressive size, the Lahore pigeon (also known as the Shirazi pigeon) is a fancy pigeon originally bred in Iran that can grow up to around 11 inches tall. That may not seem like much, but for a pigeon, he's above average in size.
Time To Pay The Pied Imperial Pigeon
If you're looking to find a pied imperial, you're going to have to journey into the forest of Southeast Asia because flocks of pieds rarely make the trip into the mainlands. If they do, though, they like to hang out in flocks of 10 or more, so you'll be able to spot them.
