The Bijeljina Roller is a fascinating breed of fancy pigeon, known for its unique rolling ability in flight. This breed, originating from Bijeljina, a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has captured the interest of pigeon fanciers worldwide. The Bijeljina Roller, like all domestic pigeons, descends from the rock pigeon (Columba livia). This entry delves into the history, characteristics, and other intriguing aspects of the Bijeljina Roller pigeon.
The Bijeljina Roller pigeon is a breed that stands out in the pigeon fancier community due to its distinctive rolling flight pattern. This breed is not only admired for its performance in the air but also for its aesthetic appeal and variety of colors. The breed’s development is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of pigeon breeders in Bijeljina, who worked meticulously over decades to perfect both its appearance and performance.
History
The history of the Bijeljina Roller begins in the aftermath of the Second World War. It is believed that the breed originated from crossbreeding the Oriental roller and the Serbian Highflier, aiming to create a pigeon with enhanced rolling capabilities. The initial breeding efforts yielded pigeons that exhibited an increased tendency to roll. Further refinement of the breed involved crossing these pigeons with the Zagreb Roller, significantly influencing the Bijeljina Roller’s appearance and performance traits.
By the 1980s, the breed had gained considerable attention among pigeon fanciers in Bijeljina, leading to the formation of the “Bijeljina Roller” club in 1989. This club played a crucial role in establishing the breed standard and advocating for its recognition. The Bijeljina Roller was officially recognized as a Yugoslavian breed in 1992, marking a significant milestone in its history.
Characteristics
The Bijeljina Roller is distinguished by its ability to perform tight rolls in flight, a trait that has been meticulously developed through selective breeding. Besides its rolling capability, the breed is also recognized for its aesthetic appeal, coming in a wide range of colors.
Key Data
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Descended from | Rock pigeon (Columba livia) |
| Primary Use | Fancy (exhibition and performance) |
| Colors | All colors |
| Rolling Ability | Tight rolls in flight |
| Recognition | Officially recognized in 1992 |
Performance
The Bijeljina Roller’s performance is characterized by its ability to execute tight, controlled rolls while flying. This rolling action is not random but a result of selective breeding to enhance this specific trait. The breed’s performance in the air is a spectacle that delights pigeon fanciers and spectators alike.
Care and Maintenance
Like all pigeon breeds, the Bijeljina Roller requires proper care to maintain its health and performance capabilities. This includes a balanced diet, clean water, regular health check-ups, and a spacious loft for exercise and rest. Additionally, to preserve their rolling ability, Bijeljina Rollers should be flown regularly, allowing them to practice and refine their skills.
Interesting Facts
- The Bijeljina Roller is part of a broader category of pigeons known as “tumbler pigeons,” which are selected for their tumbling or rolling abilities in flight.
- The breed’s development involved crossbreeding with the Zagreb Roller, highlighting the collaborative efforts of pigeon fanciers across different regions.
- The Bijeljina Roller’s recognition in 1992 as a Yugoslavian breed was a significant achievement for the breeders in Bijeljina, marking the culmination of years of dedicated breeding and advocacy.
The Bijeljina Roller pigeon is a testament to the art and science of pigeon breeding. Its development from a crossbreeding experiment to a recognized breed showcases the dedication of the pigeon fancier community in Bijeljina. With its stunning appearance, remarkable rolling ability, and rich history, the Bijeljina Roller continues to captivate and inspire pigeon enthusiasts around the world.
