Detailed profile of this breed: origin, year of creation, recognised varieties and official approvals.
Breed Summary
The African Owl is a show-oriented pigeon prized for its distinctive owl-like head, short beak, and compact, robust frame. It sits in the medium-to-large category among fancy pigeons and typically exhibits a calm, friendly temperament that makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced fanciers. Uses include exhibition and ornamental display; many keepers also enjoy it as a calm household companion. Quantitative profile: body length 30–36 cm; wingspan 50–60 cm; weight 350–520 g; lifespan 5–12 years; color range includes blue, black, white, pied; common patterns include solid, check, pied, and variegated; clutch size usually 2 eggs; incubation ~17 days.
Detailed Origin
Origin: The name suggests African roots, but precise early records are scarce. The Owl-type pigeon was developed as a show bird in Africa and later refined by breeders in Europe and the Middle East during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today the breed is recognized by numerous national clubs, with color and feather variations reflecting regional breeding traditions.
Detailed Description
Morphology: compact, robust body with a broad chest; head very round with a pronounced forehead; large, prominent eyes; short beak with a small cere; plumage dense and smooth; wings medium-length; tail full but not overly long; leg feathering ranges from light to moderate. Color and patterning vary widely; show standards favor a clean, well-kept plumage and an unmistakable owl-like face. Temperament is generally calm and approachable. Care includes regular dust baths, a balanced diet of high-quality seed mixes with greens and minerals, and clean housing with perches and nest space. Housing guidance: about 0.5 m² per bird in a loft or spacious cage; breeding typically yields 2 eggs per clutch; incubation around 17 days; chicks fledge after roughly 18–22 days; both parents participate in incubation and rearing.
Recognised varieties for this breed
- African Owl self white
- African Owl black
- African Owl red
- African Owl dun
- African Owl brown
- African Owl yellow
- African Owl khaki
- African Owl ash-red self
- African Owl andalusian blue
- African Owl barred and checked in blue
- African Owl silver
- African Owl ash-yellow
- African Owl ash-red
- African Owl grizzle in blue barred and silver barred
- African Owl mottled in blue
- African Owl variegated black
- African Owl mottled in blue or dark blue