The Old Dutch Capuchine pigeon is a breed of domestic fancy pigeon from Netherlands. It is one of the older pigeon breeds which was developed over many years of selective breeding.
The breed is likely dates back to the Middle East, Greece or India for its origins. The Dutch sailors probably brought the Capuchines back to Holland no later than the 1500s by Dutch sailors.
We know of its presence in Holland in the 1500’s by its depiction in several of the Dutch Masters works of art.
The breed was imported into the United States in the 1960s. Currently it is available in it’s native area and some other countries, but it’s considered as pretty rare breed. Read some more information about this beautiful bird below.
Old Dutch Capuchine Pigeon Appearance
Old Dutch Capuchine pigeon is a small to medium sized bird and it’s body is desirably carried horizontally. These birds have well rounded head which is broad enough at the back to be fit for a broad hood.
Their eye’s iris is pearl white and rather sprightly. And the ceres are red to flesh colored and are of fine texture. Their beak is medium in length which posses fine wattles, and the beak slightly curves at the tip.
Neck of the Old Dutch Capuchine pigeon is of medium length and it narrows to smoothly blend into the shoulders and breast. Their back is broad and gradually tapers off towards the rump.
Their breast is broad, full and is lifted just in front of the beak’s tip. And their wings are not overly long and are nicely carried up.
Legs of the Old Dutch Capuchine pigeon are medium in length and are bright red in color. Their shanks and toes are featherless.
The tail is narrow and well closed and short compared to the proportioned length of the body.
The breed comes in in black, yellow, red, blue with black bars, silver with dark dun bars, mealies with red bars, white self and cream with yellow bars.
Average mature body weight of the Old Dutch Capuchine pigeon is between 310 and 370 grams. Photo and info from PigeonSpot and Wikipedia.
Uses
Old Dutch Capuchine pigeon is a fancy pigeon breed. It is used for exhibition and ornamental purposes.
Special Notes
The Old Dutch Capuchine pigeon is a very beautiful bird with good temperament. It is a graceful bird with exceptional qualities.
It is especially known for it’s head crest and it’s unique hood. It is a pretty old breed and raised mainly for exhibition purpose and also for ornamental purpose. The breed is also very good for raising as pets.
However, review full breed profile of these birds in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Old Dutch Capuchine |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Exhibition, ornamental and pets |
| Special Notes | Beautiful birds, good temperament, graceful birds with exceptional qualities, known for it’s head crest, unique hood, good for exhibition purpose, good for ornamental purpose, good for raising as pets |
| Breed Class | Small to medium |
| Weight | 310 to 370 grams |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Flying Ability | Good |
| As Pets | Good |
| Color | Many |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Netherlands |
Old Dutch Capuchine Pigeon Facts
Here are some top interesting facts about these birds:
Origins and History
The Old Dutch Capuchine pigeon is believed to have originated in the Netherlands during the 16th century. Its name comes from the Capuchin monks, who wore hoods that resembled the pigeon’s distinctive head crest. The breed was developed for its ornamental qualities and was prized for its unique appearance.
Appearance and Size
The Old Dutch Capuchine pigeon is a medium-sized bird, with a weight ranging from 8 to 10 ounces. They have a compact, rounded body, a short beak, and a distinctive head crest that covers the entire head, giving them a hooded appearance.
The crest can come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, red, blue, black, and brown. They have a short neck, broad chest, and a short, slightly curved tail. Their wings are long and pointed, allowing them to fly gracefully.
Behavior
Old Dutch Capuchine pigeons are known for their docile and calm temperament, making them ideal as pets. They are social birds and enjoy the company of other pigeons.
They are active during the day and spend their time foraging for food and water. They are good fliers and enjoy flying around, especially when they are kept in larger enclosures.
Breeding and Reproduction
Old Dutch Capuchine pigeons are monogamous and form lifelong pairs. They breed throughout the year, with the female laying two eggs at a time.
The eggs are incubated for around 17 to 19 days, and the chicks are born covered in yellowish down. They fledge around 28 days after hatching and become fully independent at around 6 to 8 weeks old.
Diet
Old Dutch Capuchine pigeons are omnivorous and enjoy a variety of foods. They eat a mix of grains, seeds, vegetables, and fruits, and they also require access to clean water at all times. They can also be fed commercial pigeon feed, which is specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs.
Health and Care
Old Dutch Capuchine pigeons are hardy and healthy birds, but they require proper care and attention to remain healthy. They need a clean and spacious enclosure, with access to fresh water and food at all times.
They also require regular exercise and should be allowed to fly around for a few hours each day. Owners should keep an eye out for any signs of illness, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or unusual behavior, and seek veterinary care if necessary.
Colors and Patterns
One of the most interesting aspects of the Old Dutch Capuchine pigeon is their diverse range of colors and patterns.
While the head crest is always present, the rest of the bird’s feathers can come in a variety of colors, including white, black, red, yellow, blue, and brown. Some even have intricate patterns or markings on their feathers, making each bird unique and visually stunning.
Challenges
Despite their beauty, Old Dutch Capuchine pigeons are not without their challenges. Like all domestic pigeons, they can be susceptible to a number of health issues, including respiratory problems, mites and lice, and bacterial infections.
Therefore, it is important to provide them with proper nutrition and care, and to seek veterinary attention at the first sign of illness.
