The Tiger Swallow pigeon, also known as the Bohemian Fairy Swallow in Europe, is a breed of fancy pigeon distinguished by its unique coloration and pattern. This breed is primarily used for exhibition purposes and is known for its calm and gentle nature, making it a suitable pet for enthusiasts. The Tiger Swallow pigeon is a descendant of the wild Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) and has been selectively bred to achieve its current appearance, which includes alternating colored and white feathers in the wings and muffs.
Origin and History
The Tiger Swallow pigeon has its roots in Eastern Europe, particularly in the regions of Bohemia, Silesia, and Thuringia, which have seen changes in their national boundaries over time. This has led to some debate among pigeon fanciers regarding the exact origin of the breed. In the United States, the breed was developed through the crossbreeding of the Dresden Trumpeter with a barless Swallow, a process attributed to Lynn F. Hummel of Columbia, Missouri.
Physical Description
The Tiger Swallow pigeon is a medium-sized bird with a striking appearance. It is characterized by a white body with colored wings, muffs, and a frontal spot. The breed exhibits two primary color variations: black and red. The wings of the Tiger Swallow pigeon are particularly notable for their striped appearance, which resembles tiger stripes when the feathers are splayed or the bird is in flight.
Key Data Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Small to medium, with an average weight of 380 to 420 grams |
| Body | White plumage except for colored wings, frontal spot, and muffs |
| Wings | Alternating white and colored feathers, resembling tiger stripes |
| Muffs | Heavily feathered feet, also with alternating white and colored feathers |
| Beak | Upper beak is dark, lower beak is light in color |
| Eyes | Dark |
| Temperament | Calm and gentle |
| Flying Ability | Average |
| Use | Primarily for exhibition and as pets |
Breeding and Genetics
The breeding of Tiger Swallow pigeons involves significant human intervention. The striped pattern of the wings is not natural but is achieved by selectively plucking colored feathers, which regrow as white due to a reduction in melanin production. This process may need to be repeated to achieve the desired white replacement feathers. The ease of converting feathers to white varies with the original plumage color, with yellow being the easiest and blue the hardest.
Care and Maintenance
As with any fancy pigeon breed, the Tiger Swallow pigeon requires specific care, especially due to its heavily feathered feet. The breed’s care regimen includes providing a dry and protected environment, separate housing for mated pairs, a suitable diet, clean water, and appropriate nesting materials. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for the health and well-being of the birds.
Exhibition and Show Standards
For exhibition purposes, the Tiger Swallow pigeon must meet certain standards. These include the symmetry and shape of the colored spot on the head, the pattern of the wing feathers, and the overall balance and proportion of the bird’s body. The breed is judged on these criteria, among others, during pigeon shows.
Interesting Facts
- The Tiger Swallow pigeon is known for its gentle behavior and can make an excellent pet for those interested in keeping fancy pigeons.
- The breed’s unique pattern is a result of human-directed selective breeding, showcasing the intricate relationship between humans and domesticated animals.
- The Tiger Swallow pigeon is not a prolific flyer compared to other pigeon breeds, which is often the case with fancy pigeon breeds bred for specific physical traits.
