Quick Take
- These glamorous curls occur naturally, despite their looking as if they were professionally curled each morning. See the intensive care needs →
- 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 breed of pigeon is highly unusual. Thanks to its tightly curled feathers over its wing shield, the Frillback pigeon looks as if it just left the salon after a perm.
“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 over the wing shield. Despite the ornamental nature of their curls, their frilled feathers require no additional care, except perhaps adding a bit a pigeon-specific bath salt into their weekly bathing water, as this feature is naturally occurring.
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 require about the same amount of care as other pigeon breeds. That is not to say little care. Pigeons, including Frillbacks, require a clean home with draft-free sleeping quarters, proper food, plenty of flight room, and regular veterinary care. If you’re willing to take on the work of having a pigeon as a pet, the Frillback pigeon would be a good avian choice.
Like other fancy pigeon breeds, Frillbacks are susceptible to 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 birds are the ones you typically see in big cities, and they couldn’t look more different from the beautiful Frillback pigeons.
