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Detailed profile of this breed: origin, year of creation, recognised varieties and official approvals.

Breed Summary

The Peacock Tail Pigeon is a show oriented breed notable for an exceptionally long tail that forms a wide semicircular fan resembling a peacock tail. The body is medium to large, with a relatively short neck and smooth feathering. Typical body length is 30–40 cm and weight ranges from about 400–600 g. Tail length is typically 25–40 cm, consisting of 20–30 elongated rectrices, though exceptional birds may show more. In terms of color, standards have historically favored blue or black base plumage with iridescent neck shading, while other color variations are observed in some lineages. Temperament tends to be calm and people friendly, but tails are delicate and require careful handling during moult and young bird rearing. For housing, a spacious loft with safe perches and shallow perches to prevent tail damage is preferred. Life expectancy commonly ranges from 8 to 12 years under good care.

Detailed Origin

Origins of the Peacock Tail Pigeon are European, with development likely occurring in the late 19th to early 20th century through breeders seeking a dramatic tail for show purposes. It is generally believed to have arisen from crosses between long tailed stock and Fantail like lines, resulting in a very long, arching tail while preserving a compact body. Early references to long tail and display type pigeons appear in European show catalogs around the late 1800s and early 1900s, and the breed gradually gained recognition from national clubs and federations during the 20th century. Today the breed is established in many European countries and has spread to other regions through show circuits and dedicated breeders.

Detailed Description

Conformation features include a prominently long tail that is carried in a broad, even fan shape when perched or in display. The tail feathers are the defining element, usually forming a diameter of several tens of centimeters at the base and extending forward in a graceful curve. The body is sturdy with a short neck and a smooth plumage that shows iridescent neck shading in many stock lines. Head is small to medium with a clean beak and bright eyes; leg feathering varies by strain but is generally minimal in tail heavy lines to reduce tail interference. The bird requires ample loft space and steady exercise to maintain tail health; moulting can be heavy due to tail shedding, so breeders often schedule rest periods for optimum display feathers. In terms of performance, individuals show a consistent ability to maintain tail symmetry during flights, though these birds are primarily prepared for exhibitions rather than frequent flying. Typical color ranges include blue and black backed birds with contrasting wing feathers, though an array of color variants exists depending on the specific breeding line.

Recognised varieties for this breed