Lahore Pigeon: Behavior and Breed Guide (With Infographic)
The Lahore pigeon is a beautiful and gentle breed of fancy pigeon. It’s admired for its large size, stunning plumage, and humble nature. You can find these lovely pigeons in Pakistan, especially in Lahore. But they’re also bred in India and Iran.
Their unique appearance and rich history made them a symbol of beauty and elegance. Lahore pigeons also have cultural significance. Across the globe, pigeon lovers are constantly seeking more information about the captivating Lahore breed.
From their unique diet preferences, the intricacies of successful breeding, and even their specific housing requirements, you will find a wealth of information about this pigeon here. So, why the late? Let’s start.
Lahore Pigeon Profile
| Name | Lahore Pigeon |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Columba livia domestica |
| Common Names | Lahore Pigeon, Shahi Kabootar (in Pakistan) |
| Origin | Lahore City in Pakistan |
| Size | Approximately 26 centimeters (10 inches) tall |
| Weight | Adults typically weigh between 480 to 550 grams |
| Lifespan | 10 years or more with proper care |
| Physical Features | It’s a big bird with a broad chest, a densely feathered neck, and beautiful plumage. The tail is fan-shaped |
| Temperament | Calm and gentle nature |
| Behavior | Social and are usually peaceful |
| Special Features | Attractive and colorful plumage |
| Breeding and Maintenance | Require proper care and attention |
| Common or Popular Varieties | Black Lahore, Blue Barred, Schwarz Lahore Pigeon |
Overview
The Lahore Pigeon, scientifically known as Columba livia domestica, is a fancy ornamental pigeon breed known for its stunning appearance and gentle nature. Another name that is popular in the Asian region is Shahi Kabootar. You will often find them in pigeon shows and exhibitions.
They are descended from the rock pigeon (Columba livia) and hail from the city of Lahore, Pakistan. This is where they get the name. Over time, it has been bred in other regions, including parts of present-day India and Iran.
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History and Origins of Lahore Pigeons
As mentioned, this breed originated in Lahore, Pakistan. However, another thought group claims this was first bred developed via selective breeding in Persia, alias present Iran.
The Lahore pigeon has a long history and was imported into Germany around 1880, where it gained popularity among pigeon enthusiasts in the early 1960s. The information about this bird’s history isn’t well-documented.
Although the Lahore pigeon was originally bred for meat, it is now mainly raised for its ornamental and aesthetic qualities. Its beautiful plumage and colorful patterns are highly valued among pigeon enthusiasts.
And due to its calm and gentle nature, it has become a favored choice for keeping as a pet and for exhibition purposes.
However, through our research and readings, we couldn’t find any authentic information source about this pigeon’s initial breeding and development.
Physical Characteristics and Identical Features
Lahore pigeons are hailed for their beautiful body feature and characteristics. You can easily recognize them by their size, beautiful color patterns, and long muffs, making them distinct from other pigeon breeds.
Appearance
The Lahore Pigeons are popular for their colorful body patterns and long muffs. But the color can vary depending on individual pigeons. It has an attractive plumage with a mostly white body. The area starts from the beak and wattle at the back of the pigeon’s head.
And gradually exhibits secondary colors such as blue bar, red, blue, black, and brown. These secondary colors form an arc around the eyes and extend across the back and wings. The rump and tail of the pigeon are also white, with heavily feathered feet and legs.
Additionally, this bird boasts a broad and stout beak with a blunt tip. The cheeks are chubby, and it has a densely feathered neck.
Size and Weight
Although Lahore pigeons are considered medium-sized birds, this pigeon is comparatively larger than most pigeon breeds.
So, now you may be thinking, how big is the Lahore pigeon? The adult Lahore pigeons are 26-28 centimeters tall and about 28-30 centimeters long (about 1o and 11 inches). Additionally, their body length from shoulder to shoulder is roughly 14 cm or 5.5 inches.
Now, if we are talking about weight, a mature Lahore pigeon can gain a weight of 14 to 18 ounces (approximately 400 to 500 grams). And as you can see, they are slightly heavier than other domestic pigeon breeds.
Unique Features
The fan-shaped tail of the Lahore pigeon is one of its most distinctive characteristics. This characteristic makes it widely desired by the keepers. And they can show a beautiful display of feathers.
Also, the Lahore pigeons have a well-balanced body, a lofty posture, and a slim neck.
Common Color Variations and Markings
From research and readings, we couldn’t find any specific patterns that can be generalized on the Lahore pigeons’ different breeds.
However, the most common colors for Lahore pigeons are black and red. And over the last few decades, breeders have successfully made them in more color varieties. Now, you will find these pigeons in different color varieties like blue, cream, white, yellow, lavender, silver, and chocolate.
And as we have mentioned, the area beginning from the beak and wattle at the back of a Lahore pigeon gradually has secondary colors such as blue bar, red, blue, black, and brown. They often have iridescent feathers that shine in the sunlight.
Distribution and Habitat
As for their distribution, Lahore pigeons originated in Lahore, Pakistan, as mentioned. These pigeons are also commonly found in the area of Shiraz, which is in Iran. And some parts of India.
Lahore pigeons are domesticated pigeons living in urban and suburban areas where they are frequently kept as beloved pets or decorative accents.
These birds no longer have a specific natural habitat in the wild, unlike their wild predecessor, the rock pigeon, as they have evolved to coexist with people in habitats that humans have constructed.
Threats and Conservation Status
We did not find any authentic source of information about the conservation status of Lahore pigeons. And as for the Rock pigeons, they are not considered a concerned species either.
Behavior and Traits of Lahore Pigeons
We know that Lahore pigeons are beautiful and are well-known among pigeon enthusiasts around the globe. Do people choose them only for their striking appearances? What about their other characteristics?
Common Personality Traits
As mentioned, Lahore pigeons are known for their calm and friendly behavior. They are social birds that enjoy being around other pigeons. These birds are not aggressive or territorial and are often kept in flocks for breeding and exhibition purposes.
But what about humans? Do Lahore pigeons bond with humans? They do, indeed. As we previously stated, Lahore pigeons are quite sociable and adept at forming bonds with people and other birds.
And FYI, Lahore pigeons are extremely popular as pets because they are docile, friendly, and tamable. Perhaps It is now one of the most popular pet pigeon breeds worldwide.
Wild vs. Domestic Lahore Pigeons
Lahore pigeons are mostly domesticated birds. So, there is not actually enough information about their wild counterpart. But if we assume the Rock dove as their wild ancestor, we can say –
Wild pigeons frequently display more aggressive and territorial behaviours than pet pigeons, and they are typically smaller in size.
On the contrary, domesticated species are selectively developed to improve their appearance, size, colour, and other characteristics. Domestic ones are more likely to be quiet and friendly.
Diet
These pigeons are omnivores. And they require a balanced diet of grains, seeds, and vegetables. A good basic diet for Lahore pigeons consists of pigeon feed, which is available at most pet stores, along with fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also provide them with grit and crushed oyster shells to aid in digestion.
Temperament
As covered, Lahore Pigeons tend to be friendly, shy-natured, and approachable. They are known to establish strong bonds with their owners and can often be hand-tamed with patience and care.
These pigeons are not aggressive by nature. They are usually content and rarely hostile, even towards other pigeons.
Flight
The flight of Lahore pigeons can be described as moderate. While they can fly and may take short flights within their immediate surroundings, they are not strong or long-distance fliers like wild pigeons. Due to their large size and ornamental features, their flight is often more limited and less efficient.
Pigeon fanciers and breeders value Lahore pigeons for their aesthetic qualities and often keep them for show purposes or as pets rather than for their flight capabilities.
Nesting, Breeding, and Courtship
There is no authentic information regarding this topic is available. But we can look at the common behaviors of the pigeon to understand the Lahore pigeon.
Pigeons are monogamous birds and often form long-lasting pairs. They can produce multiple clutches of eggs each year and typically lays two eggs per clutch, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs. The female pigeon incubation period lasts about 17 to 19 days.
Moreover, pigeons exhibit various courtship behaviors to attract mates. These behaviors include cooing, bowing, and puffing up their feathers to appear more attractive. The male may also perform aerial displays, flying in circles or performing acrobatic maneuvers to impress the female.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Lahore pigeon is approximately 10+ years. But you know that individual lifespan can vary from one to another based on their health condition, diet, and care.
Homing Instinct
Like other pigeons, Lahore does have a homing instinct. They return to their loft if let out to fly around. However, most show breeds don’t have enough homing ability to find their way home from unfamiliar surroundings. Lahore pigeons aren’t known to have any more homing instinct than any typical show breed.
Breeding and Maintenance
There is not much info available for the Lahore pigeon breeding. So, we provided a general guideline that applies to major pigeon breeds. Hope this will help.
Raising and Breeding Lahore Pigeon
Select healthy and compatible breeding pairs. It’s essential to have a male and a female of appropriate age and condition for successful breeding. The pigeons will incubate the eggs for roughly 18 days until hatching. Ensure the parents and eggs have a peaceful and stress-free environment during this period.
The young chicks will also need their parents’ care and food once they hatch. So. provide additional nutrition if necessary and monitor their growth.
Throughout this time, maintain a record of breeding dates, hatchings, health, and other essential information for proper management.
Some Tips and Considerations for Successful Breeding
The first step in breeding Lahore pigeons is to choose a breeding pair. You need to choose birds that are healthy, free from disease, and genetically diverse. Also, a breeding pair must be over a year old and have a successful breeding history.
Lahore pigeons breed from March to August in the spring and summer months. They engage in courtship behavior before that. Lahore pigeons mate by the male bird mounting the female and flapping his wings.
The two will then remain together for several days while the male feeds the female. You should provide your breeding pair with a quiet, undisturbed space during this time.
And once the eggs are laid, allow the parents to incubate them naturally. If necessary, provide a suitable nesting area to encourage successful incubation.
Feeding and Housing Requirements for Lahore Pigeons
Provide a balanced and nutritious diet for the breeding pigeons. The diet must have grains, seeds, greens, and access to clean water. You can also give them additional vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure the pigeons receive all the essential nutrients.
Ensure to have spacious and comfortable housing for the pigeons. And the loft needs to be well-ventilated, clean, and free from pests. Maintain an appropriate temperature to ensure the well-being of the birds. Lahore pigeons are calm and stately, so a stress-free environment is essential for successful breeding.
If you are new to Lahore pigeon breeding, seek advice from experienced breeders or join local pigeon clubs.
Related Subvarieties of Lahore Pigeons
There are several known subvarieties of this pigeon. Each has some unique characteristics and identical features. Let’s take a look at them.
Black Lahore Pigeons
Their solid black plumage characterizes them. They have a glossy and lustrous appearance, and their feathers can exhibit beautiful iridescence under certain lighting conditions.
Blue-barred Lahore Pigeons
These pigeons have a blue coloration with white or light gray bars on their wings and body. The blue barred pattern is visually striking and adds elegance to the pigeon.
Cream Barred Lahore
It displays a soft cream or light beige base color with darker bars on its wings and body. The combination of cream and bars creates a lovely contrast in their plumage.
Mealie Lahore Pigeons
Mealies are known for their multi-colored plumage, which usually includes a brown, black, and white blend. This mosaic-like pattern makes them unique and eye-catching.
Red Lahore
They stand out with their vibrant red plumage. This rich color gives them a bold and lively presence, making them a favorite among pigeon enthusiasts.
Schwarz Lahore Pigeons
As the name suggests, Schwarz Lahores is likely a black variety originating in Germany. They possess the same graceful Lahore features but with a black plumage that exudes elegance.
Silver Barred Lahore
These Lahores have silver-colored feathers adorned with barred patterns. The combination of silver and the barred pattern gives them an attractive and refined appearance.
Silver Chequer Lahore Pigeons
It showcases a chequer pattern with two different colors, often involving silver. This unique pattern adds a touch of complexity to their overall look.
Stencil Lahore
The specifics of Stencil Lahores are not readily apparent from the name, but they likely possess a particular and distinguishing pattern or coloration, possibly resembling a stencil art effect.
Yellow Lahore Pigeons
And the last one on our list is Yellow Lahore. It features a bright and cheerful yellow plumage, giving them a sunny and warm disposition. Their striking color makes them stand out in a crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Lahore pigeons prone to any diseases or health issues?
No direct and authentic information is available about Lahore pigeons’ health issues. So, we cannot provide a comprehensive and exact reply regarding their diseases.
Therefore, we recommend consulting avian veterinarians or reputable pigeon breeders to get accurate and detailed information about Lahore pigeons’ health and potential health issues.
2. How much does a Lahore pigeon typically cost?
The price of a Lahore pigeon is about $150. They can sometimes be sold for around 300-500 dollars. However, the price can vary depending on their lineage, color, age, and the breeder or seller’s location.
3. Do Lahore pigeons make good pets?
Lahore pigeons are commonly kept as pets due to their calm and gentle personalities. And they are known to make good pets and create a good bonding with their human owner. These pigeons are also very social. So, if you are keeping multiple breeds, they won’t create any problems.
Concluding Thought
So, after going through all of that, we can say Lahore pigeons, in all their various colors and patterns, are known for their friendly personalities, graceful postures and body structure, and captivating beauty.
They are also cherished by pigeon fanciers and breeders around the world for their elegance and distinctiveness within the pigeon family. But there isn’t enough information online regarding this bird. So, you better talk with an expert or group regarding this domestic pigeon breed in an emergency.
Image Credits:
- Canva.com/photos
- Youtube.com/ (Naeem Royal Pigeon Farm)