9 Exotic and Stunning Fancy Pigeon Breeds

For over five centuries—possibly even longer—pigeon enthusiasts have meticulously bred pigeons with strikingly unusual appearances. Today, there are hundreds of distinct breeds and color variations, and, much like cats and dogs, these birds compete in events to determine which best exemplifies their “breed standard.” Below are some of the most remarkable examples from the fancy pigeon world.

1. Fantail

These eye-catching birds are arguably the most iconic and widely recognized among fancy pigeons. Their peacock-like tails, pronounced chests, and gracefully curved necks make them a favorite at bird exhibitions and livestock fairs worldwide.

Beyond their striking appearance, they serve practical purposes too. Breeders of racing or homing pigeons often place fantails at the entrance of the dovecote during training sessions. Their high visibility acts as a guiding beacon for young pigeons returning home. Certain fantail varieties, like the Garden Fantails, have less upright tail feathers and are more adept at flying compared to Exhibition Fantails. However, all fantails lack the oil preening gland at the base of their tails, making them susceptible to cold when wet.

2. Scandaroon

One of the earliest breeds developed for both aesthetic appeal and as a food source, the Scandaroon is thought to trace back to the era of Alexander the Great. They feature large, downward-curving bills topped with a prominent wattle, bright and accentuated eyes, and well-defined ceres (a fleshy red ring). Their piebald coloration—part white—and larger size distinguish them from common street pigeons.

3. Jacobin

These pigeons earned their name from their distinctive “mane,” which closely resembled the cowls worn by Jacobin monks when the breed first rose to prominence. Today, the mane of most Jacobin varieties is so exaggerated that the pigeon’s head is completely obscured when viewed from the side.

In addition to their impressive mane, Jacobins are sleek and elegant, featuring long legs, a narrow tail, and a poised, upright stance. Those that exhibit the most flamboyant behavior—fluffing their feathers and strutting proudly—are particularly prized in competitive settings.

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4. Frillback

These pigeons are among the oldest known breeds developed purely for ornamental purposes, rather than for meat production. Their curly flight feathers give them a lacy appearance, though this comes at the cost of efficient flying. While they can fly better than chickens and manage short bursts to escape danger, they require significantly more energy to do so compared to typical pigeons.

Due to this limitation and their larger size, these birds tend to prefer walking or running over flying. Their unique feathers also mean that frillback breeds lack water resistance and are highly vulnerable to cold when wet, similar to fantails. The frillback trait is autosomal dominant, meaning if one parent carries the gene, there’s a 50% chance the offspring will inherit the frilled feathers. This dominant gene has also allowed the frill trait to be introduced into other fancy pigeon breeds.

5. Cropper

While all pigeons inflate their crops (a throat organ used for grinding food) during displays, croppers take this behavior to an extreme level.

Their crops are exceptionally developed, and they frequently puff out their chests during playful interactions, not just during courtship. Despite their top-heavy appearance, the air-filled crop ensures they remain balanced and stable.

Most Croppers have been selectively bred for a long back, upright posture, and their signature puffing behavior. While some exhibit different body shapes, all are bred with the inflatable crop as a key feature. These breeds possess more vertebrae and a larger ribcage compared to the Rock dove. Known for their affectionate nature, Croppers often form strong bonds and enjoy playful interactions with their caretakers.

6. Hen

Bred to resemble their namesake, the “Hen” breeds, such as the petite German Modena and the sizable King Pigeon, appear similar to chickens on elongated legs. Their upright short tails and rounded bodies, combined with curved necks, give them a poultry-like appearance rather than that of typical pigeons. Larger varieties in this group are primarily ground-dwelling, rarely taking flight, and are often housed in coops similar to those used for chickens.

7. Archangel

This breed stands out as one of the most visually stunning “color” varieties. Their shimmering bodies and contrasting wing hues create a captivating display, explaining why this breed dominated as the favorite fancy pigeon in Germany and the Rhine region for many years.

Although the color standards for this breed have evolved over time, their physical structure has stayed consistent: a majestic, sizable bird with a well-proportioned head and beak. Among the many color breeds available, these are often the top choice for beginners in pigeon keeping.

8. Trumpeters

This diverse group of breeds is celebrated primarily for their unique vocalizations and calls, earning them the title of “voice” pigeons. Some breeds produce trumpet-like sounds, while others create drumming or laughing noises, all distinct from the typical cooing of ordinary pigeons.

While their sounds are a key feature, their appearance is also judged. Breeds like the Arabian trumpeter resemble standard pigeons, whereas others, such as the Bokhara trumpeter, have a striking look, as if their head was removed and another pigeon was placed beneath their extravagantly feathered feet. (An English trumpeter is pictured above.)

9. Tumblers

A highly sought-after show bird during the Victorian era, the Almond Tumbler was renowned as a “performance bird.” Similar to other Tumblers, this breed was initially developed for its unique aerial acrobatics. After soaring to great heights, they execute rapid, breathtaking backflips before ascending once more. While this unusual flight pattern makes them vulnerable to predators like hawks and falcons, breeders prize their vibrant feathers and swift spins, aiming to pass these traits to future generations.

A notable subgroup of this breed, the Short-Faced Tumblers (including the Almond Tumbler), is admired for its delicate appearance. However, this elegance comes at a cost: their tiny beaks prevent them from effectively feeding their young, requiring breeders to hand-raise the squabs. This trait is also seen in other Short-Faced varieties across different breeds.

A version of this article was originally published in 2014; it has been updated for 2023.