The Schmolln Trumpeter pigeon is a distinctive and fascinating breed of fancy pigeon, known for its unique vocalizations and appearance. Originating from Germany, this breed has garnered attention and admiration from pigeon enthusiasts around the world. This encyclopedic entry aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Schmolln Trumpeter, detailing its history, characteristics, and other pertinent information.
The Schmolln Trumpeter pigeon, with its rich history and distinctive features, stands out among the various breeds of fancy pigeons. It is primarily bred for its voice, which includes a range of cooing and trumpeting sounds, making it a unique specimen within the pigeon fancier community. This breed showcases the diversity and the extent of selective breeding practices that have been applied to pigeons over the centuries.
History and Origin
The Schmolln Trumpeter pigeon hails from the city of Schmolln in East Thuringia, Germany. The exact date of its creation remains uncertain, but it is believed to have evolved from unplanned crosses of the Old German Split-tail Trumpeter, the established Altenburg Trumpeter, and field pigeons. The breed was officially recognized and its standard approved in Schmolln on June 19, 1941, and later confirmed in May 1948.
Physical Characteristics
Appearance
The Schmolln Trumpeter is a medium-sized pigeon, with a strong field pigeon type body carriage that is horizontal. It possesses thick and hard plumage, contributing to its robust appearance.
Ornaments
Unlike some other fancy pigeon breeds, the Schmolln Trumpeter is plain-headed and grouse-legged, with its toes free of feathers. In the past, the breed was permitted a beak crest. Its tail is divided in the center, forming two well-defined halves that should be plainly visible.
Colors
This breed appears in a variety of colors, including blue barred, silver barred, isabel or pea-yellow, and pale silver. Black, white, red, and yellow, as well as checkered and mottled varieties, also occur but are rarer.
Key Data
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Schmolln, East Thuringia, Germany |
| Size | Medium, average weight 14 to 15 ounces |
| Body Carriage | Horizontal |
| Plumage | Thick and hard |
| Ornaments | Plain-headed, grouse-legged |
| Tail | 14 to 18 feathers, divided in the center |
| Colors | Blue barred, silver barred, isabel, pea-yellow, pale silver, black, white, red, yellow, checkered, mottled |
| Eye Color | Pearl or yellow in colored varieties |
| Standard Approval | June 19, 1941 |
Breeding and Care
The Schmolln Trumpeter is noted to be an excellent forager and breeder. Its most important characteristic, the drumming voice, is said to be constant, strong, and loud, surpassed only by the Altenburg Trumpeter in terms of vocal performance. Successful breeding of this pigeon requires adherence to basic pigeon care principles, including providing a dry house, separate accommodations for mated pairs, a suitable feed and mineral ration, clean water, and appropriate nesting materials.
Interesting Facts
- The Schmolln Trumpeter’s drumming voice is a key feature that distinguishes it from other pigeon breeds.
- Despite its ornamental and vocal qualities, the breed is rare in the United States, if present at all.
- The breed’s standard was first approved in its namesake city, Schmolln, highlighting its deep-rooted connection to its place of origin.
