Pigeons are found in nearly all urban areas around the world. There is an estimated global population of over 1 billion pigeons, and over 300 species of pigeons and doves.
I have picked 19 rare and fancy pigeon breeds.
#1 American Giant Homer
The American Giant Homer is a breed of pigeon that was first recognized as a distinct breed by the NPA at the 1928 Grand National Show.
They were originally bred for meat due to their large size.
#2 Torresian Imperial Pigeon
The Torresian imperial pigeon is a large, plump pigeon, predominantly white with black wing feathers.
The Torresian Imperial Pigeon numbers are increasing because of their protected status in Australia. Their call is a deep, loud roo-ca-hoo.
#3 German Modena
The German Modena is a descendant of the rock dove and was originally developed as “flying kits.”
#4 Bokhara Trumpeter
The Bokhara Trumpeter is a breed of fancy pigeon for its long muffed feet and double crest. The crest is known as the ‘rose,’ and the bird itself was developed through selective breeding.
#5 Saxon Fairy Swallow
The Saxon swallow has a crest and a full cap and is well known for the odd feathered feet.
#6 Hungarian Giant Pigeon
It is one of the oldest pigeon breeds in Hungary, and it has an abundance of feathers that help to make it look bulky. Males can weigh up to 1 kg, and there are over 1500 exemplaries living in Hungary.
The average weight of the Hungarian giant is around 40 to 50 cm.
Editor’s Pick
#7 Frillback
They are one of the most coveted breeds among pigeon fanciers. Frillback pigeons are known for the curls on the wing shield feathers. Their appearance makes them excellent show birds that require very little preparation.
#8 Danish Suabian
Danish Suabian pigeon is a smaller-sized pigeon breed that was developed in the Netherlands and France. It is raised for show or exhibition purposes.
#9 Vienna Highflyer
Vienna Highflyers are primarily bred for their exceptional flying skills. The breed was developed in the 1800s, and their eyes are usually bright and alert.
#10 Garden (English) Fantail
The English Fantail i is believed to have originated in India as a breed of fancy pigeon. The breed is characterised by a fan-shaped tail composed of about 40 feathers.
#11 Victoria Crowned Pigeon
Victoria crowned pigeons are the largest pigeon species in the world. This species is typically 73 to 75 cm long and weighs up to 2.5 kg.
These pigeons are native to New Guinea and are common to see at a zoo or aviary.
Victoria crowned pigeons are classified by the IUCN as Near Threatened. There are between 10,000 and 20,000 individuals in captivity. The biggest threat to these pigeons is deforestation for palm oil plantations.
The body is covered in beautiful grayish-blue feathers, and males and females look almost identical. They prefer to stay on the ground, only flying up into the trees to escape danger.
Breeding peaks late in the wet season and in the dry season.
#12 Homing Pigeon
The homing pigeon was used to carry messages and is derived from the wild rock dove (Columba livia sspp.). With training, pigeons can carry up to 75 g on their backs.
#13 Rameron Pigeon
The African olive pigeon is a swift flyer with quick, regular wingbeats. The “olive” part of the name is probably linked to part of the diet.
Females are very similar to males but somewhat duller.
#14 Archangel
The Archangel is a breed of fancy pigeon known for their iridescent feathers throughout much of the body.
They may or may not be crested.
#15 Shiraz Tumbler
The Shiraz Tumbler pigeon is a domestic pigeon from Iran, and it has exceptional aerial acrobatics.
#16 African Green Pigeon
The African green pigeon has a purple patch on top of the wings.
#17 South German Monk
The South German Monk is always peak crested and is descended from the rock pigeon.
#18 White-Bellied Green Pigeon
The white-bellied green pigeon is a forest dweller with an unusual habit of drinking saltwater. It reaches a body length of more than 36 cm.
#19 Dutch Cropper
The Dutch Cropper pigeon is a breed of fancy pigeon that is kept for exhibition purposes.