The South German Charcoal Lark pigeon, known in German as the Süddeutsche Kohllerche, is a breed of domestic fancy pigeon that has its origins in the southern regions of Germany, particularly in the provinces of Württemberg and Bavaria. This breed is categorized under color pigeons and is recognized for its distinctive coloration and markings. It is a breed that has been kept traditionally by farmers and has a history that extends back to the times before it was showcased in exhibitions.
History and Origin
The South German Charcoal Lark pigeon is a breed with a relatively recent history in terms of recognition and exhibition. It was not until after the Second World War that this breed began to be mentioned, and it was in the 1950s that they were first seen in shows. The breed has since stabilized into what is described as a ‘quiet’ beauty, with a significant presence in regional shows, particularly noted in the Ulm Show of 2013 where a remarkable display of 43 South German Coal Larks was exhibited.
Physical Characteristics
Appearance
The South German Charcoal Lark pigeon is a color pigeon that lacks the crests seen in other South German breeds like the South German Tigerhead. It is characterized by a plain head and clean legs, resembling a basic field pigeon type but with a unique and attractive color combination.
Coloration
The ground color of the South German Charcoal Lark pigeon is a matte dark grey, referred to as ‘charcoal’. This is complemented by an ochre-colored breast and fine grey ‘larking’ or arrowhead-shaped markings on the black wing shields. The breed exhibits an excellent sheen, especially noticeable in natural sunlight where the birds can ‘glow’ with color.
Eyes and Legs
The eyes of the South German Charcoal Lark pigeon are a fiery orange-red, which is a striking feature against its dark plumage. The legs are red, although they can be greyish-red in younger birds.
Behavior and Temperament
The South German Charcoal Lark pigeon is known for its quiet and attractive nature. It is a breed that has been traditionally kept by farmers, indicating a level of hardiness and adaptability. The breed’s temperament is not extensively documented, but like many pigeon breeds, it is likely to exhibit typical pigeon behaviors such as cooing and nesting.
Breeding and Exhibitions
The South German Charcoal Lark pigeon has gained popularity in exhibitions due to its unique appearance and coloration. Breeders in Germany have focused on enhancing the breed’s quality, particularly in terms of color and pattern, while maintaining the correct type, including the head profile and eye color.
Table of Key Data
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany, specifically Württemberg and Bavaria |
| Type | Color pigeon |
| Head | Plain, without crests |
| Legs | Clean, red or greyish-red |
| Color | Charcoal ground with ochre breast and grey larking |
| Eye Color | Fiery orange-red |
| Exhibition Popularity | Not common, but has a stable presence in German shows |
| Temperament | Likely quiet and adaptable, typical of traditional farm pigeons |
Interesting Facts
- The South German Charcoal Lark pigeon is one of the few South German pigeon breeds that do not have a Shell or Peak Crest.
- The breed’s ‘larking’ or arrowhead-shaped markings are a specialized form of chequering, which adds to the breed’s distinct appearance.
- The breed was traditionally a ‘Farmers Pigeon’, indicating its historical role in agricultural settings before becoming a show pigeon.
- The South German Charcoal Lark pigeon is considered a ‘quiet’ beauty, suggesting that it may not be as flashy as other pigeon breeds but has a subdued elegance.
