The sky rats, rats with wings, pests, and there’s a lot more where that came from. These are just a few of the names people call these loyal birds. But these birds aren’t what people call them. Rather they are intelligent, loyal, and historical. I’m talking about the infamous and naughty Pigeons.
City folks might have harsh views, but those who appreciate nature, love knowing more about these intelligent birds. Some love to keep them as pets, they’ll train ‘em to do fun tricks and for some just going out to watch the pretty colors in their flying wings is in itself a weekend relaxation activity!
Pigeons are pretty interesting if I say so myself. And they can be mostly seen in 3 main colors; the wild-type blue, brown, and ash-red. However, the rarest and uncommon color pigeons that you may spot if you are lucky. In the content ahead we’ll help you identify this lovely bird through it’s various colors.
So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Pigeon Color Guide
| Color / Pattern | Description | Genetics |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Shades of blue ranging from light to dark. | Blue color is controlled by the B locus. The wild-type allele is denoted as B. |
| Red | Shades of red ranging from light to dark. | Red color is controlled by the R locus. The wild-type allele is denoted as R. |
| Black | Solid black coloration. | Black color is controlled by the B locus. The recessive allele is denoted as bb. |
| White | Pure white coloration. | White color is controlled by the S locus. The recessive allele is denoted as ss. |
| Yellow | Shades of yellow ranging from light to dark. | Yellow color is controlled by the S locus. The dominant allele is denoted as S. |
| Silver | Silver-gray coloration. | Silver color is controlled by the S locus. The recessive allele is denoted as ss. |
| Brown | Shades of brown ranging from light tan to dark chocolate. | Brown color is controlled by the B locus. The recessive allele is denoted as bb. |
| Dun | Grayish-brown coloration with a bluish tint. | Dun color is controlled by the D locus. The wild-type allele is denoted as D. |
| Cream | Creamy-white coloration. | Cream color is controlled by the S locus. The recessive allele is denoted as ss. |
| Ash Red | Light reddish-brown coloration with a bluish tint. | Ash Red color is a combination of recessive red (rr) and Dun (D). |
| Slate | Bluish-gray coloration. | Slate color is controlled by the S locus. The recessive allele is denoted as ss. |
| Grizzle | Irregular mottling of colors, often with a “salt and pepper” appearance. | Grizzle pattern is controlled by multiple loci and influenced by modifier genes. |
| Indigo | Deep, rich blue coloration. | Indigo color is a darker version of blue and is influenced by modifier genes. |
| Lavender | Pale purple coloration. | Lavender color is controlled by the S locus. The recessive allele is denoted as ss. |
| Opal | Soft, pastel coloration with an iridescent sheen. | Opal pattern is controlled by multiple loci and influenced by modifier genes. |
| Mealy | Mottled pattern of light and dark colors, resembling the appearance of a meal. | Mealy pattern is controlled by multiple loci and influenced by modifier genes. |
| Checkered | Pattern of alternating light and dark squares or bars across the body. | Checkered pattern is controlled by multiple loci and influenced by modifier genes. |
| Pied | Patches of white or light-colored feathers mixed with the primary body color. | Pied pattern is controlled by multiple loci and influenced by modifier genes. |
| Mottle | Irregular spotting or speckling of color across the body feathers. | Mottle pattern is controlled by multiple loci and influenced by modifier genes. |
| T-pattern | T-shaped pattern on the wings. | T-pattern is controlled by multiple loci and influenced by modifier genes. |
Types Of Pigeons
Pigeons have quite a bit of a history. They were once wild and free before we humans domesticated them. We brought them from the wild and used them as message carriers, pets, and food as well. After a while though, some of the domestic pigeons got away from their domesticated lives. They became the pigeons that we see today, the feral pigeons.
So there are 3 major types of pigeons, the Wild Pigeons, Domestic Pigeons, and Feral Pigeons and all these types include a variety of breeds. Wild Rock pigeon is one of the most special types of pigeons as it is the ancestor to all breeds of domestic pigeons. It belongs to the Wild Pigeon category along with Speckled pigeons, Wood pigeons, & Band-tailed pigeons.
Our domestic pigeons include a variety of breeds, most of which were formed as a result of selective breeding. The most common of them are Domesticated Rock Pigeons, Homing Pigeons, Fancy Pigeons, and King Pigeons. The most abundant type of pigeons that exist today are the feral pigeons. You can say that they’re kinda the wild version of domestic pigeons.
They are the descendants of domestic pigeons and are mostly found roaming around in cities and urban areas.
| Type | Breeds | Distinctive Features |
|---|---|---|
| Homing Pigeon | Racing Homer, American Show Racer | Strong homing instinct, excellent navigational abilities, used for racing and messaging |
| Fantail Pigeon | Indian Fantail, English Fantail | Distinctive fan-shaped tail, ornamental breed, often kept for exhibition purposes |
| Racing Pigeon | Racing Homer, Sion, Cumulet | Muscular build, strong flight capabilities, bred and trained for racing |
| Jacobin Pigeon | English Jacobin, Scottish Jacobin | Distinctive hood of feathers on the head, upright stance, elegant appearance |
| King Pigeon | Utility King, Classic Old Frill | Large size, broad chest, often kept for meat production or as ornamental birds |
| Tumbler Pigeon | Birmingham Roller, Parlor Roller | Tumbling or rolling flight behavior, bred for aerial acrobatics and exhibitions |
| Indian Fantail Pigeon | Indian Fantail | Similar to Fantail Pigeon, but with a more exaggerated tail fan, bred for ornamentation |
| Lahore Pigeon | Lahore | Short beak, large size, plump body, distinctive head crest, originated in Pakistan |
| Modena Pigeon | Modena | Compact body, smooth feathering, distinctive bow-shaped stance, elegant appearance |
| African Owl Pigeon | African Owl | Rounded head, large eyes, distinct facial features resembling an owl |
Also read: Cockatiel Color
How to Identify Pigeons?
Now while it is easy to identify pigeons among birds, it can be difficult to distinguish among their different breeds. Some features you can look at to identify between them include size, plumage, beaks, as well as their legs and feet. The differences in plumage can appear in the color, pattern as well as length, and texture of their feathers.
Some pigeons can have beautiful green and purple iridescent feathers on their neck while others may simply be plain and white. Their feathers may be short, broad, or even curled on some pigeons. The beaks are also a distinctive feature of pigeons. They can be short on some and longer on others. The same is the case for their legs and feet.
They could have different colors including red, pink, yellow, and more! Interestingly, some pigeon breeds have features like tufts, muffs, and even beards that can easily make them stand out from other breeds. Here we have a chart for you that describes the differences among specific pigeon breeds!
| Pigeon Breed | Size | Color | Beak | Feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fantail | Small to medium | Variable (many colors, including white, black, red, yellow) | Short to medium, typically dark | Black or dark-colored |
| Jacobin | Small to medium | Variable (white, black, blue, red, yellow) | Medium to long, often light-colored | Light-colored |
| King | Large | Variable (many colors, including white, black, blue, red, yellow) | Medium to long, often light-colored | Light-colored |
| Modena | Medium | Variable (many colors, including white, black, blue, red, yellow) | Medium to long, often light-colored | Light-colored |
| Stock Dove | Medium | Variable (typically shades of grey) | Medium, slightly curved | Varies |
What is the rarest pigeon color?
Pigeons are usually found in colors like white, grey, and different shades of brown. However, they come in way more colors and patterns than you could imagine. I mean, who would guess that a pigeon could be red, right? But it’s true, some pigeons are red, and have many other colors as a result of selective breeding.
They range from normal bird colors like brown, black, grey, and white to fun colors like red, ash red, yellow, cream, dun, pink, lavender, and opal. Now these “fun” colors do exist but they’re pretty uncommon and some are even rare!
It is quite difficult to point out the rarest of all pigeon colors but we sure can list some of them. Pink, lavender, blue, pure black or brown (melanistic), and ember are some rare pigeon colors. Whereas, indigo, dominant opal, cinnamon, and dilute-colored pigeons are considered to be uncommon.
| Rare Color | Breed | Distinctive Features |
|---|---|---|
| Albino | All breeds | Complete lack of pigment, white plumage, pink eyes |
| Grizzle | Racing Homer | Variegated or mottled appearance in feathers, often with alternating light and dark patches |
| Dilute | Fantail, Indian Fantail | Lightened or diluted version of standard colors, such as pale blue or lavender |
| Mosaic | Modena | Patchwork or mosaic-like pattern on feathers, created by selective breeding |
| Lacewing | Jacobin | Combination of white or cream-colored feathers with red or orange eyes |
| Cinnamon | Lahore | Warm brown plumage with reddish tones, often described as “cinnamon” in color |
| Pied | Birmingham Roller | Irregular patches of white or light-colored feathers mixed with darker plumage |
| Opal | Tumbler | Iridescent sheen or shimmer to feathers, with colors shifting in different lighting |
| Faded | King | Subdued or muted version of standard colors, with less saturation and intensity |
| Apricot | African Owl | Pale orange or peach-colored plumage, resembling the fruit |
Which Pigeon is the Most Expensive?
For some pigeons might just be dirty birds roaming around but the real ones know the true value of these intelligent and loyal birds. That’s why they are willing to pay millions of dollars for them. One of the most expensive pigeon breeds is Homing Pigeons. In 2020, a homing pigeon named “New Kim” was sold for more than $1.5 million. Another homing pigeon named “Armando” was sold at a price of almost $1.4 million in 2019.
Fancy pigeons can also be pretty expensive. The “fancy” shapes and colors of their feathers make them unique and distinct from the other pigeon breeds, increasing their value among pigeon enthusiasts. In 2011, “Dolce Vita” , a fancy pigeon, was sold for around $200,000. Another pigeon named “Golden Prince” was sold for $536,000. You can only imagine the increase in value years later!
Here’s a table showing some of the expensive breeds of the pigeons.
| Color | Breed | Distinctive Features | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almond | Racing Homer | Light brown plumage with darker markings, often resembling the color of almonds | $500 – $1,000 |
| Indigo | Fantail, Modena | Deep blue plumage with a rich, velvety appearance | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Silver | Tumbler, Jacobin | Silver-gray plumage with a metallic sheen, highly reflective and striking | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Lavender | Indian Fantail, Lahore | Pale purple plumage with a soft, pastel hue, often described as “lavender” in color | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Platinum | King | Light gray plumage with a silvery sheen, highly prized for its rarity and elegance | $5,000 – $7,000 |
| Ruby | African Owl | Deep red plumage with intense color saturation, resembling the precious gemstone | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| Gold | Modena, Birmingham Roller | Golden-yellow plumage with shimmering metallic highlights, symbolizing wealth and luxury | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Pearl | Lahore, Tumbler | Iridescent white plumage with subtle pink or blue undertones, resembling a pearl | $15,000 – $20,000 |
| Diamond | Jacobin | Pure white plumage with a flawless appearance, often considered the pinnacle of beauty | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| Emerald | Racing Homer, Fantail | Deep green plumage with rich, vibrant coloration, resembling the precious gemstone | $30,000 – $50,000 |
Also read: Budgie Colors
Conclusion
I’m pretty sure you’re starting to view pigeons differently after reading this blog. Even if you don’t think of them as the most fascinating birds in the world, you probably don’t view them as an annoying nuisance either.
Pigeons are amazing birds. Their abilities, appearance, and traits show the true beauty of nature. Yes, they have their downsides, but for thousands of years, humans have had their help, and that too for important reasons.
If you are bird enthusiast than pigeon is surely going to be among your favorites. You can use our pigeon color chart to identify the various types and get fascinated.