The Franconian Bagdad pigeon is a breed that showcases the diversity and the extensive selective breeding that pigeons have undergone through human history. This breed, like many others, is a testament to the intricate and often aesthetic-focused breeding practices that have produced a wide array of pigeon varieties. The Franconian Bagdad is particularly noted for its distinctive physical characteristics and its history within pigeon fancying circles.
Origin and History
The Franconian Bagdad pigeon, also known as the French Bagdad or Französische Bagdette, is a breed that has been shaped by human selection for specific traits. While the exact origins of the breed are not clearly documented, it is believed to have Arabian roots and has been kept in France for many generations. The breed is part of the larger group of Bagdad pigeons, which are known for their large size and proud bearing.
Physical Characteristics
The Franconian Bagdad pigeon is a large bird, known for its elevated and proud bearing. It has a balanced, high stance with rugged forms and a powerful appearance. The breed is characterized by several distinctive features, which are outlined in the table below:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Large, with a weight of 700 to 900 grams for hens and cocks respectively. |
| Head | Powerful and long, with a wedge-shaped appearance when viewed from above. |
| Beak | Long and thick at the base, measuring 35 to 38 mm from the gape to the tip. |
| Eyes | Very large, prominent, and expressive, with pearl color or dark in Whites and Pieds. |
| Neck | Very long, held vertical and slightly curved forward, with a characteristic “Baghdad Knot.” |
| Breast | Broad and lightly rounded with a lifted and prominent breast bone. |
| Back | Broad, short, and wedge-shaped, slightly hollow and narrowing towards the rear. |
| Wings | Short, with wing tips carried on the tail. |
| Tail | Well closed, not too long, and slightly sloping. |
| Legs | Long and powerful, with legs set well apart and featherless shanks. |
| Plumage | Very short, tight, and sparsely feathered, with several places showing naked red pigmented skin. |
| Colors | Includes white, black, dun, red, yellow, brown, khaki, and Andalusian blue. |
Breeding and Characteristics
The Franconian Bagdad pigeon is bred for both its physical attributes and its coloration. Breeders pay close attention to the standard of the breed, aiming to produce birds that exhibit the ideal traits. Faults in the breed include poor neck carriage, short neck, long tail or wings, and densely feathered plumage, among others. The breed’s tight feathering and patches of scarcely feathered or naked skin showing red pigmented skin are very typical and increase the breed value.
Role and Use
Historically, pigeons have been bred for a variety of purposes, including as messengers, for meat, and for show. The Franconian Bagdad, with its striking appearance, is primarily a show pigeon, bred for exhibition and the enjoyment of pigeon fanciers. It is not known for any particular flying or homing abilities but is valued for its aesthetic qualities and the challenge of breeding to a standard.
Conservation and Popularity
As with many specialized breeds of pigeons, the Franconian Bagdad may not be as widely known or kept as more common varieties, such as racing homers or utility breeds. However, within the community of pigeon fanciers, breeds like the Franconian Bagdad are cherished for their unique characteristics and the diversity they bring to the avian world. Conservation of such breeds often relies on dedicated breeders who maintain and preserve the genetic lines.
Interesting Facts
- The “Baghdad Knot” is a slight kink in the fourth neck vertebrae, which is a breed feature of the Franconian Bagdad pigeon.
- The breed’s preference for lighter beak colors, particularly in certain color varieties, is a specific aesthetic choice that breeders strive for.
- The Franconian Bagdad’s tight and sparse feathering, along with the exposed red skin, is not only a breed characteristic but also a factor that can increase the bird’s value in shows.
