The Austrian White-tail pigeon is a breed of fancy pigeon known for its stunning white tail feathers and elegant appearance. It is an ornamental pigeon developed in Austria, mainly in the region of Salzburg and the areas around Upper Austria.
Origin
The Austrian White-tail pigeon originated in Austria. It is believed to have been developed in the 17th century, introduced by the Turks and crossed with existing local pigeon breeds.
Breed Characteristics
The Austrian White-tail pigeon is a medium to large-sized breed with a cute and innocent expression. It has a sturdy, well-built, broad body that wedges towards the tail. The body is comparatively short in length, and the width-to-length ratio is approximately 1 to 2, according to breed standards.
The breed has a plain, short, triangular head with prominent frontal red eyes and a narrow flesh-colored cere. It has straight-toed wiry feet, wide wings, and a long, wide, full tail. The body of the pigeon is almost always white, with color variations on the head, neck, and wings, including black lace, blue, blue barred, black or white barred, lark, blue checkered, red, or yellow.
Temperament
The Austrian White-tail pigeon is known for being a very friendly and calm breed with humans. It is a popular choice for breeders and pigeon fanciers. However, it can be pugnacious towards other pigeon breeds and may be picked on by stronger pigeons.
Preferred Living Conditions
- The Austrian White-tail pigeon is tolerant of most climates and can adapt to various living conditions.
- It can be kept in a loft setting but prefers to be outside as much as possible during the day.
- It requires sufficient space in the loft to stretch its wings and take flight.
- The base of the loft should have a good covering of sawdust, hay, or straw to absorb droppings.
- Cleaning the pigeon loft two or three times a week is necessary to prevent droppings from building up.
- Strasser pigeons are sensitive to noise and light, so it is best to keep them in a dark room during the night.
- Access to bathing water should be provided as Strasser pigeons love to bathe.
Usage
The Austrian White-tail pigeon is primarily bred for ornamental purposes. It is valued for its elegant appearance and stunning white tail feathers. It is also used in exhibitions and shows as an exhibition bird. Additionally, the breed was initially developed as a utility breed for squab production, especially in Asian countries.
Key Data
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Austria |
| Breed Size | Medium to large |
| Body Shape | Sturdy, well-built, broad body |
| Head Shape | Plain, triangular |
| Eye Color | Frontal red |
| Feather Color | White with variations on head, neck, and wings |
| Temperament | Friendly, calm |
Interesting Facts
- The Austrian White-tail pigeon is known for its stunning white tail feathers, which give it a majestic appearance.
- It is believed to have been introduced to Austria by the Turks and crossed with local pigeon breeds.
- The breed has a cute and innocent expression, which adds to its charm.
- The Austrian White-tail pigeon is easy to care for and is a low-maintenance pet.
- It is a popular choice among pigeon fanciers and is often showcased in exhibitions and shows.
