English Short-Faced Tumbler Pigeon: Breed Guide
Charles Darwin and the English Short-faced Tumbler have one thing in common. Both are from the Early Modern English era. He was so fascinated with English Tumblers. So, he mentioned them in his famous book The Origin of Species.
What makes this breed so special? English Tumblers are an old pigeon breed and were subjected to selective breeding. They have tumbling skills and are aesthetically pleasing. However, it is quite high maintenance.
Scroll below as I explain everything about the English Short-faced Tumbler including its origin, habits, and features –
English Short-Faced Tumbler Pigeon Profile
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Columba Livia Domestica |
| Common Names | 01. Tumbler Pigeon 02. English Short-faced Tumbler Pigeon |
| Origin | England (17th century) |
| Size | 7 to 9 inches |
| Weight | 8 to 12 ounces |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years |
| Physical Features | Medium sized compact, well-proportioned including fan-shaped tails. |
| Temperament | Friendly, gentle, and calm |
| Behavior | Strong homing instinct, Acrobatic maneuver skills |
| Special Features | Fan-shaped tail puts colorful display while at flight |
| Breeding and Maintenance | Selective breeding, Balanced diet and safe loft |
| Common or Popular Varieties | 01. English Bald Head Tumbler 02. English Clean Legged Tumbler 03. English Magpie Tumbler |
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Overview Of English Short-Faced Tumbler Pigeon
Columba Livia Domestica, also known as English Short-faced Tumbler Pigeon has a history that goes back to the 17th century. Through selective breeding, these pigeons achieved different characterizations including excellent tumbling skills.
They come in different colors and patterns. Tumbler pigeons were used for message carrying and for pigeon racing. Another variant of this breed is the English Bald Head Tumbler, English Clean Legged Tumbler, English Magpies.
History And Origins of English Short-Faced Tumbler Pigeons
English Short-faced Tumbler Pigeons are one of the famous fancy pigeons that are admired worldwide. The history and origin of English Short-faced Tumbler Pigeons goes way back to the English Renaissance era.
In Moore’s book (1735), English Tumblers are mentioned and known to be one of the oldest pigeon breeds.
Back in the 17th century or more specifically in 1764, these originated in England through selective breeding. Because these had selective breeding, they had distinctive features.
Amid the English Civil War and early modern days, pigeon breeders focused on recreation. So, they came up with the idea of a pigeon breed that has excellent acrobatics capability.
Breeders selected birds with short beaks and good flying capability. After generational selective observation and picks, we see the English Short-faced Tumbler Pigeon as it is now.
Physical Characteristics And Features
Most tumbler breeds have short beaks and long tails. However, the English Short-faced Tumbler Pigeon includes some unique characteristics that set it apart.
Appearance
English Short-faced Tumbler Pigeons have frog-like eyes and short and black beaks. Their bugle juts are positioned from the back of their skull These pigeons are small or most times medium-sized with a broad chest.
Short-Faced Pigeons Always possess alert expression yet an elegant demeanor. However, they have an active posture and their back has a line that aligns the Short-Faced Tumblers feed. The head is a bit round and large.
Size and Body Structure
These pigeons are 7 to 9 inches in length. English Tumblers weigh between 225 to 340 grams They have a streamlined, well-muscled body with strong wings. Even though the beaks are short, they have wattles.
These birds have round body shapes as I mentioned above yet short legs. The neck bends a little from the beak to its shoulder.
Unique Features
English tumblers are known for their fan-shaped tail. Their tail feathers open like a fan during flight and create eye-catching visuals. Most importantly, they have large and bold eyes that are white or pearl color.
Common Variation
The standard colors are white, red, black, yellow, blue, and silver. Tumbler pigeons come in a wide variety and some come in solids or some in patterns.
Checks, wings, and bar patterns are the most common among this breed of pigeons. Some English Tumblers exhibit fewer feathers on their head, which may imitate bald heads.
Distribution And Habitat Of English Short-Faced Tumbler Pigeon
English Short-faced Tumbler Pigeons are fancy birds that need high maintenance. Here are some facts about its habitat –
Geographic Distribution
English Short-faced Tumbler Pigeons are fancy birds mostly for domestic purposes. So, they are not naturally found in the wild. They originated in England.
However, the distribution is now global. Tumbler Pigeons are found everywhere if pigeon fanciers maintain them.
Short-Faced Tumblers are not limited by any geographic region.
Habitat Preferences
These pigeons are selectively bred. Most selectively bred birds are domesticated. So, they prefer staying in human care. Some pigeon fanciers claim that they were selectively bred for pigeon show purposes.
Because they are domesticated. English Tumbler pigeons mostly stay in protected and maintained pigeon lofts provided by humans. Wild ones can build nests in tree branches mostly.
Urban and Rural Habitats
English Tumblers can live in urban, suburban, or rural places as long as they’re in human care or captivity. But they are not a big fan of rural settings. As it’s a fancy bird and most pigeon fanciers live in urban settings. Its habitat developed according to its caregiver’s residence.
But if they are provided safe nesting space in rural areas they can live well. In rural places, these birds stay in dovecotes or secured nesting spaces only.
Migration and Seasonal Movements
English Short-faced pigeons are domestic birds and always stay in care. So, their shelter changes according to weather and cuts the prime reason for any migration.
Breeders or pet owners provide them with a protected and safe environment throughout the year.
These pigeons do now show any seasonal movements.
Threats and Conservation Status
English Tumblers do not face extinction threats worldwide, but it’s not properly evaluated. These are popular among pet fanciers. So, they are internationally bred and maintained by breeders.
However, these pigeons do face predator threats from falcons, hawks, domestic cats or dogs, and raccoons. Heatwaves, storms, heavy rain, and avian pox parasites pose a threat to these pigeons.
Behavior And Traits of English Short-Faced Tumbler Pigeons
These pigeons tend to live longer than another Tumbler breed. However, these are gentle and have exceptional acrobatics skills.
Common Personality Traits
Just like most Tumbler breeds, English Tumblers are docile and friendly. Its calm nature makes it perfect for human interaction and petting purposes. They are curious, smart, and easy to train for flying.
As you know, these are domesticated pigeons. They are secure to humans. So, they show affection and bond with their owners. They like to move in flocks and are social. With proper care, the usual lifespan of these pigeons is 10 to 15 years.
Differences between Wild and Domesticated Pigeons
Short-faced Pigeons are mostly domestic birds but compared to the wild ones they don’t have many survival skills. As a result of selective breeding, these pigeons have traits that make them reliant on their human caregivers for food.
Diet
Pigeon feed including seeds, grains, vegetables, and fruits is best for this breed. They must be served protein such as insects and sometimes supplements. The English Tumbler digest system is not as strong as wild birds. So, any change in food should be gradually introduced.
However, they rely on food provided by humans. Even though English Tumblers aren’t picky eaters they show resilience to diet changes.
Temperament
English Short-faced pigeons are calm and get along with other pigeon breeds well. However, they are not compatible with doves. Their gentle and loyal nature makes them popular pets.
Flight
How high can an English Short-faced Tumbler Pigeon fly? They can’t fly high, but they can perform tumbling flights and show acrobatics. Many confuse their fight capability with high-altitude fly endurance.
While flying, they exhibit eye-catching acrobatics including loops and somersaults.
Nesting, Breeding, and Courtship
Most English Tumblers build their nest in dovecotes and nesting boxes. Wild ones tend to build nests in the mid-low branches of trees. In the case of courting, male ones show cooing, affection and even bill-feeding.
However, the breeding is controlled and the eggs are incubated by the parents’ pigeons. Human caregivers take care of young tumblers.
Homing Instinct
All Tumbler breeds have a strong homing instinct. However, this instinct has been exploited over the years by breeders.
Historically, these were used as message carriers. Because they can find their way back even when released from a significant distance.
Breeding And Maintenance
Tumbler pigeons are in general high-maintenance pigeons. That’s why you will only see them among pigeon fanciers.
Information about Raising and Breeding
Short-faced Tumblers are fancy pigeon breeds. Only pigeon fanciers keep them as pets. So, breeders take utmost caution and planning while breeding these pigeons. First, there must be a careful selection of healthy male and female pigeons.
For example, if the pigeon needs to be in a special pattern, then one of the parents must have that pattern. Breeders provide them with adequate safe nesting space. After the female lays eggs, both parent pigeons share feeding and incubation responsibilities.
The egg might take 17 days to hatch, and young squabs fledge around 4 weeks. However, parents can’t feed them due to their short beaks. Here humans tend to take care of the young tumblers.
Some Tips and Considerations for Successful Breeding
If you are planning to breed on your own then, select pairs with close characteristics and make sure they are in good health. Stress can cause, premature egg hatch. So, ensure a safe and clean nesting environment.
Always monitor the condition of eggs and squabs and offer a nutritious diet. Squabs need protein and calcium-dependent foods. Do not overbreed, this might lead to health problems which defeats the selective breeding purpose.
Feeding and Housing Requirements
These pigeons need a well-ventilated place to nest. So, make sure your pigeon loft and dovecotes have a good air system and protect you from predators. Many wonder, do English Short-faced Tumbler Pigeons eat lentils? Yes, they do.
A feed including lentils can ensure sufficient protein. You can also add grit to aid digestion. Always clean the nest area twice weekly.
Conclusion
In case you are a beginner, it’s better to start with a regular pigeon breed. Even though the English Short-faced Tumbler Pigeon’s existence is not threatened, these are very hard to find.
You can only by contacting specialist Tumbler Pigeon Clubs or breeders throughout the world. These require high-quality feeds and keeping costs. However, English Tumblers are loyal, and they are easy to pet.
Moreover, the color patterns make them visually soothing. If you liked this article then be sure to check our Facebook, Twitter and Google News.
References
- Luis Felipe, Juan Esteban, and Helen Mary, “Darwin’s Pigeons and The Evolution of The Columbiform: Recapitulation of Ancient Genes”., https://www.redalyc.org/pdf/575/57512077023.pdf
- Parés-Casanova, P. M. & Kabir, M. A. (2020), “Clustering the tumbler pigeons’ group on their morphological characteristics reveals a eumetrical and a hypermetrical clade”., https://www.agrojournal.org/26/03-23.pdf