The Holle Cropper, also known as the Amsterdam Balloon Cropper, is a breed of domestic fancy pigeon that has been developed through many years of selective breeding. Like all domesticated pigeons, the Holle Cropper is a descendant of the wild rock pigeon (Columba livia). This breed is particularly noted for its small size, round and erect posture, and the ability to inflate its crop, giving it a distinctive “balloon” appearance. It is a breed that combines beauty, elegance, and a rich history, making it a prized possession among pigeon fanciers.
Origin and History
The Holle Cropper pigeon hails from the Netherlands, where it was developed primarily in Amsterdam. The breed is quite old, with its exact origins unknown. However, it is believed to have been around since the 16th century, as indicated by paintings from the old Dutch Masters. The breed was developed from the larger Pouter pigeons, with selective breeding focusing on reducing size and enhancing the globe or crop’s inflation capability. Over the years, the Holle Cropper has become a symbol of Dutch pigeon breeding excellence, known for its unique characteristics and historical significance.
Physical Characteristics
The Holle Cropper is admired for its small size, symmetrical body, and the ability to inflate its crop to a remarkable size. Below is a table summarizing its key physical characteristics:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Small, with an average weight of around 380 grams |
| Body Shape | Short and symmetric, resembling a round ball on legs |
| Head | Medium-sized with a well-rising frontal, centered in the globe |
| Globe | Well-rounded and proportional to the body, inflates from the chest |
| Eyes | Bold and bright, with finely textured and silky ceres |
| Beak | Medium in length, with fine and small wattles |
| Neck | Long, graceful, and S-shaped, with a loose and easy motion |
| Wings | Fitted close to the body |
| Tail | Compact and carried horizontally |
| Legs | Close set, straight, and parallel, may be slightly feathered or clean |
| Feet | Small and neat |
| Colors | Can appear in self, pied, or tiger-splashed color |
This breed’s most distinctive feature is its globe, which is well inflated and rises from the chest, contributing to the bird’s round appearance.
Uses
Primarily, the Holle Cropper pigeon is used as an exhibition breed. Its attractive appearance and graceful movements make it a popular choice for pigeon shows and ornamental purposes. Additionally, the Holle Cropper’s friendly and calm demeanor makes it suitable for keeping as a pet. Despite its exhibition status, the breed is also known for its good flying ability, although this is not its primary use.
Special Notes
The Holle Cropper is a strong and hardy breed, capable of adapting to various climates. It is an excellent flyer, with its head and neck arriving in an upright position during flight, unlike most other pigeon breeds. The breed is compared with the Pygmy Pouter pigeon due to its smaller size and similar characteristics. Despite its exhibition status, the Holle Cropper is also valued for its ornamental beauty and pet potential, making it a versatile breed.
Interesting Facts
- The Holle Cropper is part of the “Pygmy Pouters” group due to its ability to inflate its crop and its smaller size compared to other Pouter pigeons.
- The breed’s globe or crop inflation is not just for show; it is a natural behavior that has been accentuated through selective breeding.
- Despite its small size, the Holle Cropper is known for its bold and bright eyes, which add to its expressive appearance.
- The breed has a rich history in the Netherlands, with its presence documented in art from the 16th century, showcasing its long-standing significance in Dutch culture.
