Frillback Pigeon: Characteristics, Uses & Best 36 Facts

The Frillback pigeon is a breed of domestic fancy pigeon. It is an ancient breed and actually was developed over many years of selective breeding.

It is believed to have originated somewhere in Asia Minor. This breed and other varieties of the domesticated pigeons, all are descendants from the wild or feral rock pigeon.

The Frillback pigeon is a common and very popular breed of the domesticated pigeons. It is known for the frill or curls on the wing shield feathers.

The feather curl should also be present at the end of the foot feathers or muffs. Read some more information about this breed below.

Frillback Pigeon Appearance

The Frillback pigeon is a medium sized breed and is slightly larger than other colored domesticated pigeon breeds. These birds are very beautiful with longer tail and wing feathers.

They can be either plain headed or shell-crested. The shell-crested Frillback pigeon has a thick shell crest on the back of the head with rosettes on each side, and the crest should stand off the head.

But the plain-headed birds have a slightly oval head with no flat areas, and a forehead that has a distinct stop at the wattle.

Eyes of the Frillback pigeon are in line with the beak. The eyes are usually reddish-orange in color in all varieties except shield marked, which has black or blue eyes.

Although cracked, gravel and pearl colored eyes also occur. Beak of these birds is long, with upper beak often being slightly longer than the lower beak.

Their beak is of dark on red and blue grizzles, black on blacks, light on yellow, horn on silver and flesh colored.

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Their wattle is thin and white on all color varieties. Their legs are of average size, and the muff will vary with most often 2-3 inches in length.

The curl of a Frillback pigeon covers its entire wing shield. No areas should be uncovered. The last row of curls spans the entire length of the wing.

Frills form a distinct ringlet curl at the end. The bottom of the muff is also frilled. Tail and flight feathers have a distinct wrinkle. The Frillback pigeon appears in many color varieties, and the color categories are listed below.

  • ARC– Any rare color
  • ARCP– Any rare color pattern
  • Grizzle– Blue, red, silver, yellow
  • Pattern– Rosewing, recessive red mottle, yellow mottle, white side
  • Self– Black, red, recessive, white, yellow
  • Shield marked– Ash-cream bar, blue-black bar, mealy ash-red bar, red, silver-dun bar, yellow

Uses

The Frillback pigeon is an exhibition or show breed. It is good for ornamental purpose and also good for raising as pets.

Special Notes

The Frillback pigeon is a very beautiful bird with unique appearance. It is very good for exhibition and ornamental purpose.

The birds are relatively calm in temperament and very good for raising as pets. However, review full breed profile of this breed in the following chart.

Breed NameFrillback
Other NameNone
Breed PurposeOrnamental, exhibition, pets
Special NotesBeautiful, uncommon appearance, good for exhibition, good for ornamental purpose, good for raising as pets
Breed ClassMedium
Climate ToleranceAll climates
Flying AbilityAverage
As PetsGood
ColorMany
RarityCommon
Country/Place of OriginAsia

Frillback Pigeon Facts

Here are some of the most important facts about this beautiful pigeon:

  1. Frillback pigeons are a breed of domesticated pigeon that are known for their unique frill or ruffle of feathers on their necks.
  2. Frillbacks are thought to have originated in Asia, specifically in the region around modern-day Iran.
  3. Frillbacks were first introduced to Europe in the 16th century, where they quickly became popular as a decorative bird.
  4. Today, Frillbacks are bred for show and as pets rather than for their meat or eggs.
  5. The frill on a Frillback pigeon can vary in size and shape, but is always located around the neck.
  6. The feathers in the frill are soft and silky to the touch, and can be a variety of colors including white, black, blue, red, and yellow.
  7. Frillbacks are medium-sized pigeons, typically weighing between 12-16 ounces.
  8. They have a relatively short beak compared to other breeds of pigeon.
  9. Frillbacks have a calm and gentle nature, which makes them good pets for those who want a bird that is easy to handle.
  10. Frillbacks are social birds and are happiest when kept in pairs or groups.
  11. They are not particularly good fliers, and are better suited to being kept indoors or in a confined space.
  12. Frillbacks are known for their distinctive cooing sound, which is soft and gentle.
  13. The average lifespan of a Frillback pigeon is around 5-7 years.
  14. Frillbacks require a diet that is rich in protein and low in fat, which can be achieved through a combination of seeds, grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
  15. Frillbacks are susceptible to a number of health issues, including respiratory infections and parasitic infestations.
  16. They require regular grooming to maintain the cleanliness and health of their feathers.
  17. Frillbacks are a popular breed for showing and are judged based on their frill, body shape, and feather quality.
  18. They are often used in decorative displays and as ornamental birds in gardens and public spaces.
  19. Frillbacks are also used in pigeon racing, although they are not as fast or competitive as other breeds of racing pigeon.
  20. The frill on a Frillback pigeon can be prone to tangling or matting, which can be painful for the bird and require careful grooming to untangle.
  21. Frillbacks are generally docile and friendly towards humans, and can be trained to perform simple tricks and behaviors.
  22. They are often kept as pets by people who live in apartments or urban areas, as they do not require a lot of space or outdoor exercise.
  23. Frillbacks are known for their distinctive appearance and are sometimes used in advertising and marketing campaigns.
  24. They have been featured in several movies and television shows, including the film “The Pigeon Racing Formula” and the TV show “Birds of a Feather.”
  25. Frillbacks are not particularly vocal birds, and are generally quiet except for their gentle cooing sound.
  26. They are intelligent birds and can learn to recognize and respond to their owner’s voice and commands.
  27. Frillbacks are not particularly aggressive birds and are unlikely to engage in fights with other birds.
  28. They are not particularly territorial birds and are unlikely to defend a specific area or space.
  29. Frillbacks are generally healthy birds, although they can be prone to certain health issues such as respiratory infections and mites.
  30. They require regular veterinary care, including routine checkups and vaccinations.
  31. Frillbacks are a relatively rare breed and are not as widely available as other breeds of pigeon.
  32. Frillbacks have a unique feather structure that makes their frill appear as a smooth, uninterrupted arc around their necks.
  33. The feathers in the frill of a Frillback pigeon grow in a backward direction, which gives them their distinctive look.
  34. Frillbacks have been bred in a variety of colors, including black, white, blue, red, yellow, and silver.
  35. The frill on a Frillback pigeon is not present at birth and only begins to grow when the bird is several weeks old.
  36. Frillbacks have been bred for their frill for centuries, and as a result, their feathers have become longer and more luxurious over time.

Best Tips for Raising Frillback Pigeons

Here are some best tips for raising Frillback pigeons:

  1. Start with healthy birds: When choosing Frillback pigeons, it’s important to choose healthy birds from reputable breeders or suppliers.
  2. Provide a suitable habitat: Frillback pigeons can be kept in indoor or outdoor enclosures, but they need a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment.
  3. Choose appropriate bedding: The bedding material used should be absorbent, easy to clean, and provide good traction.
  4. Feed a balanced diet: Frillback pigeons need a balanced diet of seeds, grains, fruits, and vegetables to ensure proper nutrition.
  5. Provide clean water: Fresh, clean water should be provided at all times.
  6. Ensure good hygiene: Regular cleaning of the enclosure and maintaining good hygiene practices will help prevent the spread of disease.
  7. Handle birds carefully: Frillback pigeons are gentle birds but should be handled with care to avoid injury.
  8. Keep birds separated during breeding season: It’s important to keep breeding pairs separated from other birds to avoid territorial conflicts.
  9. Provide nesting materials: Frillback pigeons require nesting materials such as straw or twigs to build their nests.
  10. Monitor breeding pairs: It’s important to monitor breeding pairs to ensure that they are producing healthy offspring.
  11. Cull birds with defects: Birds with physical defects or health problems should be culled to maintain a healthy breeding population.
  12. Monitor flock health: Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring of the flock’s health will help prevent the spread of disease.
  13. Provide perches: Frillback pigeons need perches to roost on, which should be positioned at different heights to allow for natural behavior.
  14. Avoid overcrowding: Overcrowding can lead to stress and disease, so it’s important to provide enough space for each bird.
  15. Monitor egg production: Female Frillback pigeons can lay up to 6 eggs per clutch, so it’s important to monitor egg production and remove any unfertilized eggs.
  16. Provide dust baths: Frillback pigeons need to take dust baths to keep their feathers clean and healthy.
  17. Keep birds protected from predators: Frillback pigeons are vulnerable to predators, so it’s important to keep them protected.
  18. Avoid loud noises: Frillback pigeons are sensitive to loud noises, so it’s important to keep them in a quiet environment.
  19. Provide a balanced lighting schedule: Frillback pigeons need a balanced lighting schedule to maintain their health and reproductive cycles.
  20. Avoid sudden changes in temperature: Sudden changes in temperature can be harmful to Frillback pigeons, so it’s important to keep their environment stable.
  21. Provide enrichment activities: Frillback pigeons are intelligent birds and need mental stimulation, such as toys or puzzles, to keep them engaged.
  22. Avoid inbreeding: Inbreeding can lead to genetic defects and health problems, so it’s important to avoid breeding closely related birds.
  23. Keep records: Keeping records of breeding pairs, health issues, and other important information will help you manage your Frillback pigeon flock.
  24. Join a community: Joining a community of Frillback pigeon breeders and enthusiasts can provide valuable information and support for raising these unique birds.

2 thoughts on “Frillback Pigeon: Characteristics, Uses & Best 36 Facts”

  1. where can i get a male and female curly wing pigeons young…i live in very southern upper elevation Arizona ?

  2. My lady found a pigeon on our yard. Don’t know what breed. But won’t fly away. Real friendly like someones pet. I’ll give you my email and send picture. He like a white beard on his chest or feather. In Arlington, TX

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