The Hungarian Short-beak, also known as the Budapest Short-faced Tumbler, is a fascinating and unique breed of fancy pigeon that has captivated enthusiasts and breeders worldwide. Originating from Budapest, Hungary, this breed is renowned for its distinctive physical characteristics, including its notably short beak and bulging eyes, which give it an almost otherworldly appearance. This entry delves into the history, physical description, breeding challenges, and other intriguing aspects of the Hungarian Short-beak pigeon.
The Hungarian Short-beak pigeon, with its distinctive appearance and captivating flying abilities, stands out among the myriad of pigeon breeds. Developed through selective breeding over many years, this breed has its roots firmly planted in the rich cultural tapestry of Budapest, Hungary. It is a testament to the dedication and passion of pigeon fanciers who have nurtured and preserved its unique traits through generations.
History and Origin
The Budapest Short-faced Tumbler, or Hungarian Short-beak, was created in Budapest, Hungary. It is a product of extensive selective breeding, aimed at enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and flying capabilities. Initially bred for high flying, it wasn’t until the 1900s that the breed began to gain recognition as a show pigeon. Despite its popularity in Hungary, it has only recently started to make a mark in pigeon exhibitions outside its country of origin.
Physical Description
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Small, weighing between five to seven ounces |
| Beak | Very short, straight, and black |
| Eyes | Large, bulging, frog-like |
| Neck | Unusually long “stove-pipe” shaped |
| Colors | Primarily blue, grizzle, and stork (white with traces of gray-black) |
| Head | Triangular with a unique angular shape and protruding eyes |
The Hungarian Short-beak pigeon is instantly recognizable by its short face, which is primarily due to its very short, straight, black beak. The eyes of this breed are notably large and bulge in a manner similar to that of a frog, adding to its distinctive “extraterrestrial” look. Another striking feature is its unusually long “stove-pipe” shaped neck, which accentuates its unique head shape.
Breeding Challenges
Breeding Hungarian Short-beak pigeons presents a unique set of challenges, primarily due to their physical characteristics. The breed’s triangular head and large eyes, combined with its small beak, make it difficult for chicks to break out of their eggshells. This often necessitates breeder intervention to ensure the survival of the young pigeons. Additionally, the small beak size complicates the feeding process, both for the parents feeding their chicks and for the chicks feeding themselves once they are old enough. These challenges have contributed to the breed’s rarity and the high level of dedication required from breeders.
Care and Maintenance
Despite the challenges associated with breeding, the Hungarian Short-beak pigeon is a rewarding breed for those willing to invest the time and effort. Successful breeding often involves fostering the chicks with other pigeon breeds that have longer beaks and can more easily feed the young. Breeders may also need to hand-feed the chicks using a syringe, a time-consuming but ultimately fulfilling process. This hands-on approach can result in a calmer, more trusting bird.
Interesting Facts
- The Hungarian Short-beak pigeon is known for its high flying and tumbling abilities, a trait that initially contributed to its popularity.
- The breed’s unique appearance, with its short beak and large eyes, has drawn comparisons to the fictional character E.T. from Steven Spielberg’s famous movie.
- Survival chances for chicks increase significantly when they are fostered by pigeon breeds with longer beaks, such as rollers or tipplers.
- The breed is not only appreciated for its distinctive looks but also for its intelligence and remarkable homing capabilities.
