Encyclopedia of Bird Kingdom: Fantail or American Fantail Pigeon with Origin Description Size Ornaments Color Comment Pictures and Video

Origin: Uncertain. The Fantail is one of the most ancient breeds and also the most widespread. India is credited by many historians as its land of origin. Abul Fazl, for example, calling it the “Luqqan” described it in India as early as 1590, but Zacarias described it in Spain in 1150. It was raised in China during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was introduced into England before 1676 for Willughby describes it.

Description: It is an exhibition bird only. It is found today in different shapes and feather ornaments in many countries. It is a far departure from the wild tyoe and splendid example of what can be accomplished by selection in pigeon breeding.

In Britain and the United States the body should be small and round, with the breast the highest point of the bird. The small, plain head should rest on the cushion where the tale meets the body, it should face straight ahead-not cocked to either side. The legs should be short and straight. The bird should stand on tiptoe and walk easily and gracefully.

Size: Small, average weight 10 to 13 ounces, though its large tail and body station make it look larger.

Ornaments: The bird should be plain headed and clean legged. There should be a continuous movement or quiver of the neck which extends to the body. The tail is the hallmark of the breed. The normal pigeon tail has 12 feathers. The tail of a good exhibition Fantail should have from 30 to 38 feathers. The Fantail lacks an oil gland.

Colors: The Fantail is bred in the United States in self colors in the following popularity which are white, black, blue, red, silver and dun. It is also bred in saddle or saddleback with plumage all white save for colored wings in similar colors, tail marked with the body all white and with a white tail. The latter two colors are very rare.

Comment: The Fantail was introduced into the United States before 1875. It has always had a steady popularity.

Seven steps must follows for Pigeon growing:

The requirements for pigeon breeding are simple, but they must be followed to be successful. There should be no relaxing or neglect at any time, for it is much easier to prevent trouble than to eliminate disease, parasites or vermin once these have occurred.

1. A dry house with the inside protected from rain or snow.

2. Separate houses for mated pairs and odd birds.

3. A flypen, if the breed requires one that dries out easily.

4. A suitable feed ration protected from contamination.

5. A suitable mineral ration protected from contamination.

6. Water suitable for human consumption protected from contamination.

7. Suitable nesting materials.

If any one of the seven is neglected, trouble of some sort will eventually occur.

References: Wendell Mitchell Levi (1891-1976), accepted everywhere as Mr. Pigeon

Fantail Pigeon Pictures Gallery