The English Barb (also called the Barb) is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Barbs, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon (Columba livia). This breed was referred to by William Shakespeare and was also mentioned in Charles Darwin’s Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication. The English Barb is known for its distinctive physical characteristics, including its large circles of flesh around its eyes, often red in color, and its short, stout beak.
Origin
Hailing from the United Kingdom, the Barb pigeon is a type of domestic fancy pigeon, the result of many years of selective breeding. The breed is thought to have originated from the Barbary Coast in North Africa. It was known to exist in England as early as the 1500s and was mentioned by William Shakespeare. The breed was further developed through careful breeding over many generations.
Breed Characteristics
The English Barb is a small to medium-sized pigeon, measuring just over 33 cm in length and weighing around 370 grams. It has a short face and is known for its large circles of flesh around its eyes, which are usually red in color. It also has a wrinkled cere (wattle) that sits over its bill, which is short, thick, and stout. The Barb pigeon is usually dark grey in color, often with lighter feathers toward the tail. Some individuals have iridescent feathers near their necks, and they may also have yellow and lavender feathers mixed in. In rare cases, they can be silver or blue. Juvenile Barb pigeons are all white.
Temperament
Barb pigeons are relatively calm birds and make good pets if they are not being raised for show. They are active and enjoy the freedom of flight. While the flesh circles around their eyes may appear obstructive to vision, Barb pigeons can see very well.
Preferred Living Conditions
Barb pigeons are good fliers and benefit from a spacious and secure loft where they can exercise and fly freely. They require regular cleaning and upkeep to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in the folds of their ceres, which can lead to infection.
Usage
The English Barb is primarily bred for exhibition purposes due to its unique physical characteristics, such as the large circles of flesh around its eyes. However, it can also be kept as a pet or used for racing and messaging purposes. The breed is known for its homing abilities and is capable of flying long distances.
Interesting Facts
- The English Barb breed is one of the so-called ″Darwin’s Pigeons″ and was used by Charles Darwin in his experiments and studies on variation under domestication.
- Old prints show early Barb pigeons with single peak crests behind the head, but selective breeding has removed this feature.
- Barb pigeons have a lifespan of approximately 7 to 10 years.
- Modern Barb pigeons can be produced with crests, although the gene for crests has been mostly eradicated through selective breeding.
| Common Names | Origin | Size | Color | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Barb | United Kingdom | Small to medium | Usually dark grey, often with lighter feathers; may have iridescent feathers, yellow and lavender feathers, silver or blue | Exhibition, racing, messaging |
