Magpie Pigeons
(Columbidae - Please see also Doves)
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The Magpie is a fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. As many other domesticated pigeons, they are descendants from the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia). The original Magpie was one of the old tumbler varieties, coming via Germany from Denmark about 1900. In England, the Magpie was often called the "Queen of the Pigeons."
Description:
The Magpie Pigeon is slender pigeon that stands erect, as the back is carried at a sharp angle upwards.
The body - except head, neck and breast, back, saddle and tail - is white. The head, neck, breast, back, saddle and tail is black with an iridescent, metallic sheen. The cut on the breast should be sharp & 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.
This pigeon breeds well and they are reliable parents
Please click here to view "Show Standards."
Personality & Pet Potential:
Suzan Taylor Ph.D.; JD - a dedicated magpie lover and rescuer in California, describes her experience with an English Magpie as she was sick and the English Magpie that came into her life unexpectedly stayed next to her bed for three days until she got better. In her words, he changed her whole life. He lived in the drawer next to her bed and in the morning he would wake up and jump on her chest and start grooming her and kiss her." Since this first magpie she has added several of them to her family. Please refer to below photos.
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Elizabeth Young, Mickaboo Pigeon & Dove Coordinator, provides the following info:
Pigeons need:
- Safe place (indoors or outdoors, protected from weather and predators)
- Room to move (a space that is 3’ high, 3’ wide, 6’ long is good for 1 to 2 birds)
- Fresh food (pigeon feed), water, grit & greens daily
- Easy clean-up floor &/or Pigeon Pants (www.birdwearonline.com)
- Company (either yours or another pigeon’s)
- Family planning (if you have a mated pair, you need to replace real eggs w/ fake ones)
- Avian Vet Care if they become sick or injured
To adopt a pigeon, contact Elizabeth at AdoptKings@gmail.com or (415) 420-7204
For more info:
- Come meet King Pigeons at Andy’s Pet Shop on 1280 The Alameda (at Julian) in San Jose
- Visit Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue at www.mickaboo.org
- Check out www.pigeons.biz/forums (a great web group with lots of info and resources) Read about King Pigeon rescue at www.RescueReport.org
Photo, Video and/or Article contributions are welcome! Please click here for info
The Avianweb strives to maintain accurate and up-to-date information; however, mistakes do happen. If you would like to correct or update any of the information, please send us an e-mail. THANK YOU!
