The Old German Magpie Tumbler, known in German as “Elsterpurzler,” is a distinguished breed of fancy pigeon that has captivated enthusiasts for centuries with its unique flying abilities and striking appearance. This breed, developed through selective breeding, is a testament to the dedication and passion of pigeon fanciers.
The Old German Magpie Tumbler is a breed that stands out in the world of aviculture for its exceptional flying skills, particularly its ability to perform tumbling maneuvers in the air. This breed is not only admired for its aerial abilities but also for its distinctive and elegant appearance. Originating from Germany, the Old German Magpie Tumbler has a rich history and has been a subject of interest among pigeon breeders and enthusiasts for many years.
History and Origin
The Old German Magpie Tumbler, or Elsterpurzler, has its roots deeply embedded in the history of pigeon breeding in Germany. It is a product of many years of selective breeding, with the aim of enhancing both its flying capabilities and its physical attributes. This breed is one of the many descendants of the rock pigeon (Columba livia), which is the ancestor of all domesticated pigeons.
The breed’s development was influenced by the need for pigeons that could perform aerial acrobatics, specifically tumbling or rolling in flight. This trait, which is both fascinating and entertaining to watch, has been reported in domestic pigeons for centuries and is believed to have been a survival skill in the wild. Over time, breeders selectively bred pigeons that exhibited this trait more prominently, leading to the establishment of the Old German Magpie Tumbler as a distinct breed.
Physical Characteristics
The Old German Magpie Tumbler is known for its well-rounded head, plump face, and medium-length beak that forms an obtuse angle with the forehead. Its eyes have a pearl-colored iris, surrounded by thin and smooth contours. The breed’s breast is large and prominent, and its back is large and slightly descending. The wings are well-closed but not tightly clutched, and the tail is well-closed. The legs are of medium length and smooth, and the plumage is close-fitting to the body and hard-coated.
Key Data
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | Well-rounded with a plump face |
| Eyes | Pearl-colored iris, coral red in soft beak color subjects, dark in darker ones |
| Beak | Medium-length, forms an obtuse angle with the forehead |
| Breast | Large and prominent |
| Back | Large and slightly descending |
| Wings | Well-closed, large feathers |
| Tail | Well-closed |
| Legs | Medium-length and smooth |
| Plumage | Close-fitting and hard-coated |
| Coat Colors | Varieties include black, red, yellow, blue, blue dabbed, blue-silver, blue-silver dabbed |
Behavior and Temperament
The Old German Magpie Tumbler is not only admired for its physical beauty but also for its lively and smart demeanor. This breed is known for its perfect flying and tumbling abilities, making it a favorite at pigeon shows and flying demonstrations. The breed’s intelligence and amazing flying skills are a delight to pigeon fanciers and spectators alike.
Conservation Status
The Old German Magpie Tumbler is classified as common, indicating that it is not currently at risk of extinction. This status is a testament to the breed’s popularity and the efforts of breeders to preserve its unique characteristics.
Interesting Facts
- The Old German Magpie Tumbler is part of the Tumbler and Highflyer group in pigeon classification, highlighting its exceptional flying abilities.
- This breed has been around since before the 1500s, showcasing its long-standing presence in the world of pigeon breeding.
- The Old German Magpie Tumbler is available in several color varieties, including blue, red, and black, allowing for a diverse range of appearances within the breed.
The Old German Magpie Tumbler is a fascinating breed that embodies the beauty, intelligence, and skill that pigeon fanciers strive for. Its rich history, distinctive appearance, and remarkable flying abilities make it a cherished breed among pigeon enthusiasts around the world.
