The Markish Magpie Tumbler, known in German as the “Märkische Elster”, is a breed of fancy pigeon that has captivated enthusiasts with its unique appearance and remarkable flying abilities. This breed, with its origins deeply rooted in Germany, showcases the rich heritage and meticulous breeding practices that have been refined over centuries. The Markish Magpie Tumbler is not just a testament to the beauty that can be achieved in pigeon breeding but also highlights the breed’s agility and performance in the air.
The Markish Magpie Tumbler is a breed that belongs to the Tumbler pigeon group, known for their ability to perform acrobatic flips and rolls while flying. This breed, in particular, is celebrated for its distinctive magpie coloration and its adept flying skills, making it a favorite among pigeon fanciers. Originating from Germany, the Markish Magpie Tumbler has spread across various regions, gaining popularity for both its aesthetic appeal and its capabilities as a high-flying breed.
History and Origin
The Markish Magpie Tumbler has a rich history that dates back to the oldest German dove breeds. It is believed that the Old German Magpie Tumbler, a precursor to the Markish Magpie Tumbler, played a significant role in the development of this breed. The breed was meticulously developed over the years through selective breeding, focusing on enhancing its flying skills and distinctive magpie coloration. The breed’s name, “Markish Magpie Tumbler,” reflects its magpie-like color pattern and its origins in the Mark region of Germany.
Physical Characteristics
The Markish Magpie Tumbler is admired for its striking appearance and physical attributes. Below is a table summarizing key data about the breed:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | Well-rounded with a plump face |
| Eyes | Pearl-colored iris with thin, smooth contours. Coral red in soft beak color subjects, dark in darker ones |
| Beak | Medium-length, forming an obtuse angle with the forehead. Nostrils are small, close-fitting, and pink |
| Breast | Large and prominent |
| Back | Large and slightly descending |
| Wings | Well closed but not clutched, with large feathers. Flying feathers slightly shorter than the tail |
| Tail | Well closed |
| Paws | Medium-length and smooth |
| Plumage | Well close-fitting to the body and hard-coated |
| Color Varieties | Black, red, yellow, blue, blue dabbed, blue-silver, blue-silver dabbed (with soft beak); black, blue, blue-silver (with darker beak) |
These physical characteristics not only contribute to the breed’s beauty but also its agility and performance in the air.
Behavior and Temperament
The Markish Magpie Tumbler is known for its lively and smart demeanor. This breed exhibits a high level of activity and enjoys flying, showcasing its tumbling skills. The breed’s temperament makes it a delightful companion for pigeon fanciers, as it is both engaging and entertaining to observe. The Markish Magpie Tumbler’s flying style, characterized by its tumbling and positioning, is a spectacle that distinguishes this breed from others.
Conservation and Popularity
The Markish Magpie Tumbler enjoys a common conservation status, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of extinction. The breed is especially loved in Germany for its characteristic flying style and is found all over the country. The German Specialty Club of the Old German Magpie Tumbler, with 215 breeders, highlights the breed’s popularity and the dedicated community that supports its preservation and promotion.
Interesting Facts
- The Markish Magpie Tumbler is celebrated for its “tumbling” flying style, which involves tumbling backwards during flight, a skill that is highly admired among pigeon fanciers.
- This breed is considered the “colour pigeon among the tumblers” due to its distinctive magpie pattern, which sets it apart from other tumbler breeds.
- The breed’s ability to hold its wings in a high and stretched out, almost vertical position during flight, known as “positioning,” is a unique characteristic that adds to its allure.
The Markish Magpie Tumbler stands as a testament to the beauty and agility that can be achieved through selective breeding. Its rich history, distinctive appearance, and remarkable flying abilities make it a cherished breed among pigeon enthusiasts around the world.
