The English Magpie pigeon is a breed of domestic fancy pigeon. It was developed over many years of selective breeding.
The original Magpie pigeon was one of the old Tumbler pigeon varieties, coming via Germany from Denmark about 1900. The breed along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, all are descendants from the rock pigeon.
It is called the ‘Queen of the Pigeons‘ in England. The breed can be very easily spotted in England and in most parts of America.
It was actually part of the Tumbler pigeons, although it is mainly kept as an exhibition breed in the United Kingdom.
The earlier English Magpie pigeon was very much smaller than the modern longer birds. In 1885 the UK clubs was formed and the first standard was drawn up two years earlier in 1883.
The breed is still to be found in it’s original form in the Eastern Europe. However, read some more information about this pigeon breed below.
English Magpie Pigeon Appearance
The English Magpie pigeon is a medium to large sized breed with long appearance. It is a slender breed that stands erect, as the back is carried at a sharp angle upwards.
Their body is mainly of white color. The head, neck, back, breast, saddle and tail are colored, mainly black with iridescent, metallic sheen. The cut on the breast should be sharp and evenly defined.
The most sought-after Magpies are often the Blacks, but they appear in other colors including Yellow, Blue, Dun, and Silver. Blue and Silver mutations should have black tail bars. The beak is long and flesh-colored. Photo and info from BeautyofBirds and Wikipedia.
Uses
The English Magpie pigeon breed is raised for flying and show purposes.
Special Notes
The English Magpie pigeon is a very hardy and strong bird. It is a good flyer and good for exhibition purpose.
These birds are of good behavior and very good for raising as pets. They usually breeds well and are reliable parents.
However, review full breed profile of these birds in the chart below.
| Breed Name | English Magpie |
| Other Name | Queen of the pigeons |
| Breed Purpose | Flying, exhibition and pets |
| Special Notes | Beautiful, very hardy and active, powerful birds, good flyers, good for exhibition, good for raising as pets |
| Breed Class | Medium to large |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Flying Ability | Good |
| As Pets | Good |
| Color | White body with black markings |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | United Kingdom |
