The Tumbler pigeons are varieties of domesticated pigeons which are descendant from the rock dove.
They have been selected and raised mainly for their ability to tumble or roll over backwards while flying. And the breed is named so because of it’s ability to tumble backwards in flight.
This ability has been known in domesticated pigeon breeds for centuries. And it is believed to be a survival skill that these birds developed to evade aerial attacks by birds of prey.
In Wendell Levi’s book The Pigeon, reference is made to pigeons with this tumbling ability existing in India before the year 1590.
Charles Darwin, in his book The Origin of Species, makes reference to the Short Faced Tumbler which was a popular breed during his lifetime, and still can be found exhibited at pigeon shows today. Read more information about this pigeon variety below.
Appearance of Tumbler Pigeons
Size of the Tumbler pigeons vary depending on the variety. And they appear in a wide variety of plumage colors, body types and as well as feather configurations.
The head of these birds is usually round, with a forehead that appears to be protuding a bit if compared to the regular pigeons.
Most Tumbler varieties usually have short or medium length beak. Color of the beak can vary depending on the variety. Their neck is usually thick, but should not be too short.
Color of their eyes can also vary depending on the variety. Pearl or yellow colored eyes are preferred in some breeds.
Their average weight vary depending on the variety. Photo from Wikipedia.
Tumbler Pigeon Varieties
Today there are many different breeds that have descended from the original tumbler stocks. Some of the most popular Tumbler breeds today include:
- Armenian Tumbler
- Australian Performing Tumbler
- Berlin Short Faced Tumbler
- English Long Faced Tumbler
- English Short Faced Tumbler
- Indian Tumbler
- Iranian Highflying Tumbler
- Komorner Tumbler
- Limerick Tumbler
- West of England Tumbler