Frillback pigeons are one of the most coveted breeds among pigeon fanciers, prized both for its relatively calm temperament and for their unique frills or curls.
Believed to have originated somewhere in Asia Minor, the frillback pigeon is the result of many years of selective breeding. Its distinctive features are the frill or curls on the wing shield feathers, as well as at the end of the foot feathers or muffs. Slightly larger than other pigeon breeds, with long tail and wing feathers, are considered some of the most elegant of fancy pigeon breeds and are very popular at pigeon beauty contests.
Photo: Flickr/jim gifford
According to research by L. Paul Gibson, the distinct curls of frillback pigeons are controlled by two partially dominant morphological modifier genes, given the symbols “Cu1” and “Cu2“, although evidence suggests that a third gene, perhaps one that causes longer feathers, may also be involved.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Jiel Beaumadier
Although their fancy curls puts the frillbacks’ ability to fly into question, they can reportedly fly just fine, they just prefer to walk more than take to the air, at least to the the information I managed to find online.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Uikitireza
Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Thomon
Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Jiel Beaumadier
Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Thomon
