The Gumbinnen White-Head Tumbler, also known as Gumbinner Weißkopf, is a breed of fancy pigeon that is distinguished by its unique appearance and flying abilities. This breed is part of the Tumbler Pigeons type, which is known for the acrobatic skills of its members, particularly their ability to perform backward somersaults while flying. The Gumbinnen White-Head Tumbler has been developed not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its performance in the air.
Origin and History
The Gumbinnen White-Head Tumbler originates from Gumbinnen, a region that was historically part of East Prussia. The breed’s development is closely tied to the region’s pigeon breeding traditions, which have produced several notable pigeon varieties. The exact origins of the breed are not well-documented, but it is clear that the breeders in the area placed a high value on both the appearance and flying capabilities of these birds.
Physical Characteristics
Key Data
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | White, round and broad with a high, broad forehead |
| Eyes | Pearl-colored with a small pupil in colored birds; dark or bull eyes in white selfs |
| Eye Cere | Fairly broad but flat and fine in structure; pale flesh to red in color |
| Beak | Short, thick, and stumpy; light flesh color with a darker tip allowed |
| Wattle | Small, white, neat, and not protruding |
| Neck | Strong and curving, swan-like to the rear |
| Body | Short and cobby; small and rounded |
| Carriage | Very upright, with the head thrown back and the breast prominent |
| Legs | Moderately long, with visible thighs in profile |
| Plumage | Various colors, with a distinctive white head |
| Size | Similar to Turkish satinettes and turbiteens |
Detailed Description
The Gumbinnen White-Head Tumbler is characterized by its distinctive white head, which contrasts sharply with the rest of its body. The breed has a round and broad head with a high and broad forehead, curving gracefully to the neck. The eyes of colored birds are pearl in color with a small pupil, while white selfs have dark or bull eyes. The eye cere is fairly broad but flat and fine in structure, ranging in color from pale flesh to red.
The beak of the Gumbinnen White-Head Tumbler is short, thick, and stumpy, with both upper and lower mandibles of equal size and set squarely. The beak wattle is small, white, neat, and not protruding, which contributes to the breed’s refined appearance.
The neck of the Gumbinnen White-Head Tumbler is strong and curving, resembling that of a swan. The body is short and cobby, with a small and rounded shape. The breed’s carriage is very upright, with the head thrown back, the breast prominent and broad, and the flights well up over the tail. The flights and tail are relatively short, and the legs are moderately long, with the thighs visible in profile.
Behavior and Temperament
The Gumbinnen White-Head Tumbler is known for its tame and friendly nature. It is a breed that can become very attached to its owner and is often described as having an ‘alert’ and ‘cute’ posture. The breed’s flying ability is also a notable aspect of its behavior, as it is developed to perform tumbling maneuvers in the air.
Breeding and Care
Breeding the Gumbinnen White-Head Tumbler requires attention to detail, as the breed’s physical characteristics must be carefully maintained. The breed is known for its difficulty in rearing its own young due to the shortness of its beak, which makes feeding challenging. As a result, young birds often need to be reared under feeders or foster parents, or alternatively hand-reared.
Conservation and Status
The Gumbinnen White-Head Tumbler is not a common breed, and its conservation status reflects this rarity. Breeders who specialize in this variety often do so out of a passion for maintaining the breed’s unique characteristics and flying abilities.
Interesting Facts
- The Gumbinnen White-Head Tumbler is valued not only for its appearance but also for its performance in the air, making it a dual-purpose breed in the world of pigeon fancying.
- Due to the breed’s difficulty in feeding its young, it has a unique place in the pigeon breeding community, as it often requires human intervention to ensure the survival of chicks.
- The breed’s upright carriage and prominent breast give it a noble appearance that is highly prized among pigeon fanciers.
