The Budapest Highflyer pigeon is a breed of domestic fancy pigeon. It was developed in Hungary, and actually was developed over many years of selective breeding.
It is also known as Poltli, Budapest Short-faced Tumbler Pigeon and Budapest Colored. This breed and other varieties of domesticated pigeons, all are descendants from the wild or feral rock pigeon.
The Budapest Highflyer pigeon was actually developed as a performing breed, but it is now raised as an exhibition breed over time.
The original Budapest Highflyer could allegedly fly so high that it was little more than a dot in the sky before it dropped back into the loft.
Currently, it is the most popular pigeon breed in it’s native country, Hungary. Read some more information about this breed below.
Budapest Highflyer Pigeon Appearance
Budapest Highflyer pigeon is a small sized breed with a distinctive square head. It has a slim body with short beak, and has a huge, rather bulging circles of bare flesh around the eyes (which give these striking birds and alert and frog-eyed expression.
Average live body weight of the mature Budapest Highflyer pigeon is around 255 grams. Photo and info from RightPet and Wikipedia.
Uses
The Budapest Highflyer pigeon was actually developed as a flying breed. But today, it is raised mainly as an exhibition breed.
Special Notes
The Budapest Highflyer pigeon is an alert and very active bird. These birds are actually noted for their wonderful personalities and their alert and happy natures.
They usually respond to human affection, and very good for raising as pets. The original birds could tumble in the air. But today most fanciers focus on breeding show birds.
Average lifespan of these birds is about 7 to 10 years. However, review full breed profile of this breed in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Budapest Highflyer |
| Other Name | Poltli, Budapest Short-faced Tumbler Pigeon and Budapest Colored |
| Breed Purpose | Exhibition, pets |
| Special Notes | Beautiful birds, attractive appearance, good for raising as pets, very good for exhibition purpose, excellent temperament, noted for it’s wonderful personalities, alert and happy, respond to human affection, active |
| Breed Class | Small |
| Weight | Around 255 grams |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Flying Ability | Very good |
| As Pets | Good |
| Color | Many |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Hungary |
Budapest Highflyer Pigeon Facts
Budapest Highflyer pigeons are a remarkable breed that has been bred specifically for their ability to fly to great heights and cover vast distances. They have been a popular breed in Hungary and other parts of Europe for centuries, and they continue to be admired and appreciated for their unique characteristics. Here are some fascinating facts about Budapest Highflyer pigeons:
- The Budapest Highflyer pigeon is also known as the Budapest Tumbler.
- The breed originated in Hungary and was developed through selective breeding.
- The Budapest Highflyer is known for its ability to fly to great heights and perform intricate aerial maneuvers.
- The breed is primarily used for sport, with competitions held to determine which bird can fly the highest and perform the most impressive maneuvers.
- The Budapest Highflyer is a medium-sized bird, with a compact body and short beak.
- The breed comes in a variety of colors, including blue, red, black, and white.
- Budapest Highflyer pigeons are known for their intelligence and trainability.
- They are often kept in lofts or aviaries, and require regular exercise and social interaction to thrive.
- The Budapest Highflyer is a hardy bird that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
- The breed is also known for its strong homing instinct, which enables it to find its way back to its loft even from great distances.
- Budapest Highflyer pigeons are social animals and thrive in groups.
- They are also known for their unique vocalizations, which are used for communication between individuals.
- The breed has been used in scientific research to study homing behavior and navigation in birds.
- Budapest Highflyer pigeons have been bred for centuries, with the earliest recorded breeding programs dating back to the 17th century.
- The breed has been recognized by the American Pigeon Breeders Association since 1967.
- Budapest Highflyer pigeons are often used in movies and television shows for their impressive aerial abilities.
- They have also been used in military operations, including carrying messages during World War I.
- The breed has a loyal following of enthusiasts, who breed and show their birds at competitions around the world.
- Despite their popularity, Budapest Highflyer pigeons are not commonly kept as pets, as they require specialized care and training.
Tips for Caring Budapest Highflyer Pigeons
Here are some tips for caring for these beautiful birds:
Provide a spacious and secure loft
Budapest Highflyer pigeons need plenty of room to fly and exercise, so it’s important to provide them with a spacious and secure loft. The loft should be well-ventilated and protected from predators, with perches and nesting boxes for the birds to use.
Feed a balanced diet
A balanced diet is essential for the health and well-being of Budapest Highflyer pigeons. They require a diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, with a mix of grains, seeds, and legumes. Commercial pigeon feeds are available, but it’s important to supplement these with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Provide fresh water daily
Clean, fresh water should be provided to Budapest Highflyer pigeons every day. The water should be changed regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and other contaminants.
Exercise regularly
Budapest Highflyer pigeons are known for their impressive flying abilities, and they require regular exercise to maintain their health and fitness. Allow them to fly in a safe and secure area, such as an aviary or enclosed garden, for at least an hour every day.
Maintain good hygiene
Good hygiene is essential for the health and well-being of Budapest Highflyer pigeons. The loft should be cleaned regularly to remove droppings and other debris, and nesting boxes should be changed and disinfected regularly. The birds themselves should be bathed regularly to keep their feathers clean and healthy.
Monitor for signs of illness
Like all animals, Budapest Highflyer pigeons are prone to illness and disease. Monitor them regularly for signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in behavior. If you notice any of these signs, seek veterinary care immediately.
Provide socialization
Budapest Highflyer pigeons are social animals and require socialization to thrive. Provide them with opportunities to interact with other pigeons and with humans, and give them plenty of attention and affection.
Prevent breeding-related problems
Breeding-related problems can arise in Budapest Highflyer pigeons, particularly if they are bred too frequently or too closely. It’s important to control breeding and ensure that the birds have adequate time to rest and recover between breeding cycles.
Take steps to prevent parasites
Parasites can be a problem for Budapest Highflyer pigeons, particularly if they are kept in unclean conditions. Take steps to prevent parasites, such as using parasite-control products and keeping the loft clean and well-ventilated.
Learn about the breed
Finally, it’s important to learn as much as possible about the Budapest Highflyer breed. This will help you to better understand their unique characteristics and needs, and to provide them with the best possible care.
