The Wurttemberg Moorhead pigeon is a distinctive and fascinating breed of pigeon known for its unique appearance and historical significance. This breed, which falls under the category of Color pigeon bird type, has evolved from being skilled flyers to becoming more of a show bird. The Wurttemberg Moorhead is not to be confused with the Schmalkalden Moorhead, although they share some similarities in appearance and origin.
Origin and History
The Wurttemberg Moorhead pigeon, as its name suggests, originated in the Wurttemberg region. This breed has undergone significant development over time. Initially recognized for their flying abilities, Wurttemberg Moorheads have transitioned into birds primarily bred for exhibition purposes. The breed’s history is intertwined with the cultural and avian heritage of its region of origin, reflecting the breeders’ preferences and the changing roles of pigeons in society.
Physical Characteristics
Head
The head of the Wurttemberg Moorhead is one of its most striking features. It is characterized by an arched shape, with a somewhat high forehead, which gives the bird a noble appearance.
Eyes
The eyes of the Wurttemberg Moorhead are typically dark, adding to the bird’s expressive face and contributing to its overall aesthetic appeal.
Beak
The beak of the Wurttemberg Moorhead is long, with color variations depending on the plumage. For instance, blacks and blues have a black beak, while reds and yellows exhibit a flesh-colored beak.
Neck
The neck of the Wurttemberg Moorhead is proportionately long. The breed has a distinctive feather structure that begins from a marked separation at the lower half of the neck’s sides. This feathering extends forward and above, forming supporting feathers that enclose the neck and contribute to the bird’s mane and hood.
Breast
The breast of the Wurttemberg Moorhead is low and well-rounded, which complements the bird’s overall body structure and adds to its balanced appearance.
Wings and Tail
The wings of the Wurttemberg Moorhead are long and closed, with flight tips that do not cross when resting on the tail. The tail itself is long and carried closed, which is typical of many pigeon breeds.
Legs
The legs of the Wurttemberg Moorhead are as low-standing as possible, with muffs that are large and thick, adding to the breed’s distinctive look.
Colors and Markings
The Wurttemberg Moorhead comes in various colors, including black, red, yellow, and blue. The head, bib, tail, rump, and wedge under the tail are colored, while the remaining feathers are white. The colors are expected to be lustrous, with blue variants having a light and even color with a black tail band.
Key Data
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Conservation Status | Common |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| US Breed Group | Fancy pigeons |
| EE Breed Group | Structure pigeons |
| Head | Arched, somewhat high in the forehead |
| Eyes | Dark |
| Beak | Long and black on blacks and blues; flesh-colored on reds and yellows |
| Neck | Proportionately long with distinctive feathering |
| Breast | Low, well-rounded |
| Wings | Long, closed, with non-crossing flight tips |
| Tail | Long, carried closed |
| Legs | Low-standing with large, thick muffs |
| Colors and Markings | Head, bib, tail, rump, and wedge under tail colored; remaining feathers white |
Breeding and Exhibition
Wurttemberg Moorheads are bred for their aesthetic qualities, with a focus on the breed’s standard. Breeders pay close attention to the birds’ physical characteristics, aiming to produce specimens that align with the established breed standards. The birds are often showcased in pigeon shows, where they are judged on their conformity to these standards.
Interesting Facts
- The Wurttemberg Moorhead is often mistaken for the Schmalkalden Moorhead due to their similar names and some shared characteristics. However, they are distinct breeds with different standards.
- The breed’s transition from a flying pigeon to a show pigeon reflects a broader trend in pigeon breeding, where the aesthetic qualities of the birds have become more valued than their flying abilities.
- The Wurttemberg Moorhead’s distinctive mane and hood of feathers are a result of selective breeding, emphasizing the importance of these features in the breed’s standard.
