Saxon Fairy Swallow Pigeon: Breed Guide (With Infographic)
The name ‘Saxon Fairy Swallow Pigeons’ originated from Saxony, Germany.
While many would disagree, it’s plausible given the bird has a neck-crest exactly like the ‘Dresden Trumpeter Pigeon.’ Then again, it was originally crossbred from the Dresden breed.
This article covers pretty much everything about Saxon Fairy Swallow Pigeons, including their origin, characteristics, common behavior, breeding, and more.
Swallow Pigeon Profile
| Name | Swallow Pigeon |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Columba Livia |
| Common Names: | Bohemian Fairy Swallow Pigeon, Tiger Swallow Pigeon |
| Origin: | Germany/Bohemia |
| Size: | Small to Medium |
| Weight: | 12-13 oz |
| Lifespan: | 4-6 years (avg), 14-15 years (max) |
| Temperament: | Calm |
| Special Features: | Muff, neck crest |
| Breeding and Maintenance: | Domestic, exhibit, ornamental |
Looking for more guide about pigeon breeds:
Overview
Saxon Fairy Swallow pigeons are one of the popular pigeon breeds, mostly admired for their majestic feathery look.
Also known as Tiger Swallow pigeons in North America for the signature tiger stripes on their feathers and Bohemian Fairy Swallow pigeons for their link to Bohemian pigeons.
They’re widely bred in the West, either to keep as pets or for exhibitions and bird shows. Also, the major favorite breed in North America.
History and Origins of Swallow Pigeons
According to popular belief and in many experts’ opinions, swallow pigeons are initially from Saxony and its surrounding regions in Germany. That’s the reason why they’re widely labeled as Saxon Fairy Swallow Pigeons.
But then some historical events indicate while their original home might be Central Europe, they’re initially bred in Thuringia and Silesia instead.
How They Were Breed and Developed
The Silesian root could be just as authentic as Saxony, as the Fairy Swallow Pigeon was originally crossbred from German Trumpeter and Silesian pigeons.
But then again, this breed is known as Bohemian Fairy Swallow too, since there’s a strong claim of them originating from Bohemia region instead. Bohemia is a far-ancient Slavic region that’s part of the Czech Republic now.
The acclaimed Master Breeder of Swallows, Lynn E. Hummel, was the fascinating mind behind the crossbreeding of Fairy Swallow pigeons. He experimented with different types of domesticated and fancy pigeon breeds.
The first Fairy Swallow Pigeon was born after a successful crossbreeding of the German Trumpeter pigeon and Silesian Bareless.
And it quickly became a favorite breed in North America due to the States’ admiration for pigeon crossbreeding and Lynn Hummel’s connections.
We have covered an in-depth article on “Color pigeons“; if interested, you can check this article here.
Physical Characteristics and Features
Saxon Fairy Swallow pigeons are better known for their unique appearance.
Dresden Trumpeter and Silesian pigeons’ features can easily be traced to their majestic muffs, crest, and solid white plumage.
The pigeon’s physical characteristics are discussed in detail below –
Appearance
They’re plain-headed; while the head matches the color of the plumage, the temple is dark-colored. Features a dark upper beak and a light lower beak.
Plumages all over the body are white, while all the other parts are covered in black, grey, brown, red, blue, and yellow feathers. Their eyes are distinguishably dark, a little like raccoons.
Size And Body Structure
These pigeons are categorized between small and medium, as they don’t get bigger than 6 to 7 inches in general. While the breed is famous for its tame demeanor, the structure resembles a lot that of a feral or field pigeon.
The small body of a Fairy Swallow Pigeon doesn’t weigh much. It’s around 12-13 oz (or 350-380 gm).
Unique Features
The legs are muffed with dark-colored feathers. The neck featured a shell crest, which originally came from Dresden Trumpeter pigeons.
Some Common Variations in Colors and Markings Across Different Species
The genuine breeds of Fairy Swallow pigeons tend to have solid color wings. These pigeons’ feathers are color-striped instead of a solid color. That’s the reason why they’re called Tiger Swallow Pigeons in North American Regions.
While solid color wings are a result of natural breeding, you have to manually force-breed these pigeons for stripes in the feathers.
Distribution and Habitat
Like all other domestic pigeon breeds, Saxon Fairy Swallow prefers to be around humans. Their evolved sense makes them believe that life will be good as long as they’re surrounded by us.
You can learn more about their geographical locations, preferences, and migratory behaviors from the following sections –
Geographic Distribution
They’re largely bred in Germany and Britain. While North America doesn’t collaborate in the wide-range breeding, it’s massively popular on the other side of the pond for domestic keeping and exhibition purposes.
Habitat Preferences
Fairy Swallow Pigeons are not keen on flying and like to stay on the ground for the most part. They build their nests on the ground for that reason.
It’s worth mentioning building nests is the least of their worries, as most owners keep these pigeons in lofts.
Urban and Rural Habitats: As they’re a domestic breed, they don’t have a particular preference for urban or rural habitats. Wherever the owner allows them to build a nest, they’ll settle for the arrangement. Population-wise, they’re mostly found in the suburbs or urban areas.
Migration and Seasonal Movements: They don’t migrate. Fairy Swallow pigeons are a domestic breed and are largely bred for exhibitions, contests, and shows. So, they’re taken care of by their owners all year round and don’t require to move places.
Threats and Conservation Status
Fortunately, this breed is not rare and not under threat of extinction any time soon. Since these birds are mainly bred for exhibition purposes or for keeping as pets, they’re not hunted down or harvested for food.
Although, they’re losing areas for natural habitation gradually as more spaces are getting urbanized.
Behavior and Traits of Swallow Pigeons
Decades of domestication have made these pigeons more calm, disciplined, and gentle. They’re friendly, social and less likely to make a violent move amidst threat.
Their behavioral and personality traits are elaborated below in the following sections –
Common Personality Traits
When it comes to personality traits, Saxon Fairy Swallow pigeons act no differently than other pigeons. They like to socialize among the flocks and tend to obey the owner.
They are calm and least likely to go feral or attack anything. Prefers fleeing in the face of threat rather than engaging in brutal fights.
Although they have wings and are capable of flying to an extent, Fairy Swallow pigeons aren’t exactly the aviating kind. Due to their structure and evolved lifestyle, they keep on the ground and don’t usually fly.
Differences Between Wild and Saxon Fairy Swallow Pigeons
The main difference lies in how they’re raised. Domesticated birds are trained from an early period for sports or exhibitions. They learn how to live in a human-run coop.
Whereas the wild ones learn to fend for themselves. Despite not having an owner, they tend to be around humans for food and safety.
Homing Instinct
These birds are usually bred to keep as show birds or pets, so they’re not prepared for soaring like wild or feral pigeons. They tend to be around familiar territory all the time, and it’s difficult for them to return home when they’re left in a far foreign region.
Breeding and Maintenance
Now when it comes to breeding and maintenance, you have to pay proper attention to all sorts of pigeons, regardless of the breed.
In the case of Saxon Fairy Swallow pigeons, most owners prefer to manually breed their birds for a steady lineage. As a first-timer, one might check the following sections for a better outcome.
Information About Raising and Breeding
These birds can be trained to lay several eggs at once. As already mentioned above, Saxon Fairy Swallow pigeons are capable of laying one or couple of eggs at a time, but they don’t usually lay more than one egg in normal circumstances.
To have each bird lay two, or in some cases, three eggs regularly, you have to physically prepare them. Keeping them in spacious lofts always helps.
Pigeons have a tendency to fill the surrounding area and empty space motivates them to lay more eggs to do that.
Their food habit needs a boost too for the surge in eggs. Introduce modified pellets, feeds, and whole grains to the pigeons’ diet to increase the number of eggs.
Some Tips and Considerations for Successful Breeding
To ensure a successful breeding endeavor with your Fairy Swallows, follow these sequential guidelines.
Begin by designating a secure area shielded from predators, complete with a high, enclosed nest location to safeguard against external threats.
Prioritize their nutrition by offering a well-rounded diet encompassing fresh water, a balanced parakeet seed blend, nutritious grains, vegetables, and nuts.
This fosters their strength and well-being, which is vital for the upcoming breeding phase.
Maintain a well-lit, dry loft environment to promote their health and prevent illnesses. Before initiating breeding, consult a veterinarian to conduct a thorough health assessment, addressing any underlying diseases.
Arrange for timely vaccinations to prevent significant health risks. Uphold hygiene through weekly bird baths. By meticulously adhering to these steps, you’ll adequately prepare your Fairy Swallows for a prosperous breeding cycle.
Feeding and Housing Requirements
Food, water, and shelter are what these birds are mostly dependent on us humans, so you have to be at your best.
Always keep your pigeons on a fresh veggie and whole grain diet for stable growth. Give them recommended parakeet seed mix for a balanced portion of nutrients.
You can sometimes give them nuts as treats but in smaller portions. Regularly change drinking water, as most bird diseases and bacteria spread through water.
Build the loft somewhere safe, preferably high up from the ground, and windows that can’t be reached by cats or any other animals.
The loft should be dry and have enough light inside. Have space for bird activities inside, you don’t want these pigeons to sit idly all day.
Final Word
As you can tell, Saxon Fairy Swallow Pigeon doesn’t require much to have as a pet. They’re mostly like all other pigeons, and you can care for them easily with proper attention. Just make sure they’re well-fed and kept far from dangerous environments.
If you still want to learn more about pigeons, and especially about their nesting and food habits, you’re welcome to take a look at other articles on our website. For more updates in the future, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxon_Fairy_Swallow_pigeon
- https://www.ufaw.org.uk/birds/saxon-fairy-swallow-pigeon
- https://answersingenesis.org/birds/domesticated-pigeons-anything-common/
- https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Saxon_Fairy_Swallow_pigeon
Image Credits:
- https://www.instagram.com/mohaez_farm/
- https://www.instagram.com/keepsakesloft/
- https://www.instagram.com/earthyemilee/
- https://www.instagram.com/pigeonfan/
- https://www.instagram.com/sapz_/