Checked Pigeon

One of the most familiar birds on the planet. Accordingly, I like most people never paid much attention to them. Oh, there are the local pigeon clubs where the birds fly in circular patterns, ah, these are the elite racing birds! However, they look the same to me – a pigeon! Some refer these to rats with wings but that is a little harsh.

According to Sibley’s Field Guide, their widespread and domestication has created a variety of plumages. Sibley’s list four types with two mentions. These are: natural, checked, dark and brown. The two mentions are fully white and pied pigeons. Pied pigeons have scattered white feathers, occur in all types and fully white birds are rare. Whereas, PigeonWatch lists seven types. These are blue-bar, red-bar, red, checker, spread, white and pied.

Here are four of the seven types

Update: Dec12th, 2009 Red/Brown type added
Pigeon Photo Archive

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