The Catalan Head and Neck Tumbler, also known as the Catalonian Tumbler, is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Pigeons, in general, are descendants of the wild rock dove (Columba livia), and the Catalonian Tumbler is a variety that has been bred for specific physical traits and flying abilities. This breed is particularly known for its unique head and neck features, as well as its tumbling behavior during flight.
Origin and History
The Catalonian Tumbler originates from Spain, specifically from the eastern seacoast province of Catalonia. Historical evidence suggests that the presence of the Catalonian Tumbler in Spain dates back to the eighth century, likely introduced to Catalonia by the Arabs during the Moorish occupation of Spain from 711 to 1492. An engraving from the thirteenth century depicts a Catalonian Tumbler of the Monjita type, which is now referred to as the Spanish (uncapped) Nun, also popularly called the “flying cross” due to its distinctive color pattern.
The breed has undergone significant development over the centuries, with a benchmark year being 1613 when Gerónimo Cortés described the color pattern of some varieties. This indicates that a wide variety of colors and markings existed within the breed at that time.
Physical Characteristics
Table of Key Data
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Average Weight | 170 to 230 grams |
| Head Shape | Small, squarish |
| Neck | Short and wide |
| Breast | Wide and prominent |
| Legs | Very short with tiny feet |
| Walking Style | Tip-toe |
| Ornaments | Plain-headed and clean-legged with a small neck frill |
| Colors | Self or white-tailed in all colors |
| Eye Color | Pearl with a small pupil |
| Eye Cere Color | Fine damson color |
Detailed Description
The Catalan Head and Neck Tumbler is a very small breed, with an average weight ranging from 170 to 230 grams. The head is described as small and squarish, and the neck is short and wide, leading to a wide and prominent breast. The legs of this breed are very short, ending in tiny feet, and the bird is known to walk on its tip-toes.
Ornamentally, the breed is plain-headed and clean-legged, with a neck frill that should be as small as possible. The squarish head, very short legs, and tiny feet are notable departures from the wild Columba livia type. The breed comes in self or white-tailed colors, including red, yellow, black, bronze, blue barred, and silver barred, with or without a white tail. The eye is pearl-colored with a small pupil, and the eye cere is a fine damson color.
Behavior and Flying Abilities
The Catalonian Tumbler is a flying breed, known for its tumbling behavior during flight. This tumbling is a backward somersault performed in the air, which is a trait selectively bred into the breed. The breed is also bred for show qualities, with its flying abilities sometimes being secondary to its physical appearance.
Breeding and Conservation
The breed has faced challenges in terms of conservation, with some varieties being lost over time. Efforts have been made to rescue the breed, particularly by the club “Associaciò de Criadors d’Aus El Francolí” from Valls/Tarragona, which set out to rescue the breed with a sense of urgency. This was due to the fact that many breeders of the Catalonian Tumbler were elderly, and there was a risk of the breed’s knowledge and lineage being lost.
Cultural Significance
The Catalonian Tumbler holds cultural significance in its region of origin. It is a part of the heritage of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, and its presence is a reminder of the historical and cultural ties that bind the people to their past. The breed is also a symbol of the art of pigeon breeding and flying, which has been a tradition in many cultures around the world.
Current Status
Today, the Catalonian Tumbler is still bred by enthusiasts who appreciate the breed for its beauty, unique characteristics, and flying abilities. However, the breed is not as widespread as it once was, and there is a continuous need for conservation efforts to ensure its survival for future generations.
