Exterior Evaluation of Selected Breeds of Pigeons: Owls and Frills

Owl and frill pigeons are considered one of the oldest breeds of domestic pigeons and for breeders they mean the embodiment of beauty, pride, elegance and temperament. The common feature of the whole group of owl and frill pigeons is the presence of vertically growing feather adornment—frill and a significant refinement of exterior features on the head. The main goal of this study was to record the current situation in the exhibition sector and to compare the exterior of selected breeds of owl and frill pigeons with the relevant European standard at top breeder’s exhibitions. Altogether 722 short-beaked owl and frill pigeons (Oriental frill, African owl and Turbit) raised by breeders from seventeen European countries were evaluated at five important exhibitions in Europe. The examination of the exterior showed that the most common exterior faults on the body of oriental frills were defects in colour pattern or lacing, poorly developed frill, faults in figure as well as defects in positioning and body posture. Exterior faults observed on the heads of oriental frill included: short top or forehead, defects in shape or length of the beak, as well as defects in its line. In addition to the faults in the oriental frills, there were observed imperfections in the rounding of the head and in the length of the wings and tail in the African owls. Turbits frequently exhibited deficiencies with respect to the length of the top or forehead. The exterior evaluation of owl and frill pigeons for breeders in the future shows the need for systematic elimination of deviations from physiological and physical development with culling of individuals transmitting morphological defects.