Quick Take
- These glamorous curls don't come naturally, and there's a grooming secret behind every Frillback pigeon's perfect ringlets. See the intensive care needs →
- Its stunning looks are deceiving: owning a Frillback pigeon comes with serious hidden costs most people never consider. Discover the hidden costs →
- The world's most runway-ready pigeon is a direct descendant of the bird you step around on city sidewalks. Trace the surprising lineage →
- This ornamental breed traces its roots to a region no one can quite agree on, and that mystery still hasn't been solved. Explore the murky origins →
Pigeons are common birds seen in many types of environments. They are essentially the squirrels of the avian world. However, one type of pigeon is highly unusual due to its wig-like feathers. The Frillback pigeon looks like it just left the salon, with gorgeous, curly feathers over its wing shield.
“The Frillback pigeon is famous for its extraordinary curly feathers,” one person wrote about the pigeon on Instagram, sharing pictures of its glamorous wings.
According to the World Animal Rescue Network, Frillback pigeons are an ornamental breed known for their strong, tight curls on the wing shield. But their frilled feathers must be carefully cleaned and maintained to keep the curls looking pristine.
Where Are These Birds Found?
Frillback pigeons are an ancient ornamental breed believed to have originated in Asia Minor, though a country of origin has yet to be definitively established. The medium-sized pigeons have a calm temperament and are quick learners who can be trained to respond to their owners. After all, pigeons are some of the smartest animals!
They live anywhere from 6 to 15 years.
A Frillback pigeon has the prettiest feathers.
©ShineCrazy/Shutterstock.com
Health Conditions of Frillback Pigeons
Although they are adorable, Frillback pigeons do not make good pets. They require an immense amount of care, including appropriate housing (a secure loft or aviary), food, and veterinary care.
There are also many health issues that Frillback pigeons are prone to. These include canker (trichomoniasis), which is a protozoan infection of the mouth and throat; coccidiosis, an intestinal parasite; and pigeon pox, a viral disease that causes scabs and lesions on the skin and in the mouth.
Where Do Frillback Pigeons Come From?
Frillback pigeons are descendants of rock pigeons, which are the type of pigeons most recognized around the world. These feral birds are the ones you typically see in big cities, and they couldn’t look more different from the beautiful Frillback pigeons.
