The Galatz Roller, also known as the Galați Roller, is a domesticated pigeon breed renowned for its distinctive aerial acrobatics. Originating from Galați County in Romania, this breed has captivated pigeon fanciers across Europe due to its unique flying abilities, which include performing rolls and somersaults in the air. The Galatz Roller is not only appreciated for its performance but also for its appearance and hardiness, making it a popular choice for both exhibitions and as a pet.
Origin and History
The Galatz Roller pigeon hails from the Galati County of Romania. It gained popularity among pigeon enthusiasts for its remarkable ability to perform air acrobatics, similar to those of the Birmingham Roller and Oriental Roller pigeons. This breed’s talent for aerial performance made it a favorite in its native Romania and quickly spread to other parts of Europe, particularly Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Physical Characteristics
The Galatz Roller is a small-sized breed with a compact body structure. Despite its smaller size, it often appears larger due to its robust build. The breed features a round breast, a short neck, and short legs. It has a medium-sized beak and comes in a variety of colors, including blue bar white-flight-ped, diluted blue bar white-flight-ped, black white-flight-ped, red white-flight-ped, and yellow white-flight-ped. The pied variety has an irregular white color spread on the head and body, while some fanciers prefer pigeons with a white belly and throat. There are also plain-feathered varieties in colors such as black, blue bar, red, yellow, and white.
Behavior and Temperament
Galatz Rollers are known for their hardiness and strong flying capabilities. A notable behavior of the male Galatz Roller is its courtship display, where it opens its wings in a V-shape, spreads its tail feathers, and swallows a bit of air to impress females or intimidate other males. This breed is also recognized for being prolific breeders and relatively easy to care for. The parents are known to mate again shortly after the squabs in the nest are over a week old, with the hens laying eggs again after another week.
Uses
Primarily, the Galatz Roller is raised for its flying and performance abilities. It is also suitable for raising as pets due to its attractive appearance and ease of care. The breed’s rich feathering helps it withstand low temperatures, making it adaptable to various climates.
Interesting Facts
- The Galatz Roller’s acrobatic flying includes back somersaults, pirouettes, and screws, which are many pirouettes performed while flying downward.
- The “ro” gene is believed to control the rolling and tumbling behavior in pigeons, with the Galatz Roller possessing this gene.
- Young Galatz Rollers learn to perform acrobatics through experience, starting with pirouettes and gradually progressing to rolls.
Key Data
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Breed Name | Galatz Roller |
| Other Name | Galati Roller Pigeon |
| Origin | Galati County, Romania |
| Size | Small |
| Body Weight | Around 300 grams |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Flying Ability | Excellent |
| Use | Flying, exhibition, pets |
| Color Varieties | Multiple, including pied and plain-feathered varieties |
| Breeding | Prolific, easy to care for |
| Special Traits | Males perform a unique courtship display |
The Galatz Roller pigeon is a testament to the diversity and complexity of pigeon breeds. Its combination of performance, beauty, and resilience makes it a cherished breed among pigeon fanciers around the world.
