Chinese Owl pigeon

Chinese Owl
A black Chinese Owl
Other namesWhiskered Owl Pigeon[1]
Country of originDebated; possibly Spain or India[1]
Classification
Australian Breed GroupFrills and Owls[2]
US Breed GroupStructure pigeons
EE Breed GroupStructure pigeons

The Chinese Owl is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding.[3] The name "Chinese Owl" is a misnomer, as the breed did not originate in China. Its origin is uncertain, but it is speculated that they are probably descended from the Spanish Chorrera breed.[4][5] Chinese Owls, as with all other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are descendants from the rock pigeon (Columba livia). The breed is known for its small size and profuse frilled feathers.[6] Many specimens have a 'chin-crest' around the front of the neck that does not extend around to the back of the head. The feathers are more 'ruffled' and appear 'wind-swept' rather than 'curled,' as in the frill varieties. The breed comes in many colors: black, brown, blue/blue-grey, barred, ice, satinette, blondinette, white, and pied.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Dan. "Chinese Owl Pigeon: Breed Guide". Pigeonpedia. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  2. ^ "Group 3 The Frills and Owls". ANPA. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  3. ^ Levi, Wendell (1977). The Pigeon. Sumter, S.C.: Levi Publishing Co, Inc. ISBN 0-85390-013-2.
  4. ^ Pigeons of North American in the 21st Century, National Pigeon Association, page 71
  5. ^ Purebred Pigeon, July/August 2005, The Predecessor of the Chinese Owl, Thomas Hellmann
  6. ^ Seymour, Rev. Colin (Ed)(2006) Australian Fancy Pigeons National Book of Standards.
  • Media related to Chinese Owl at Wikimedia Commons