Darwin devoted a good chunk of The Origin of Species to a discussion of variation in breeds of domestic pigeons. As a photo researcher for a biology textbook publisher, I occasionally had to find photos to illustrate Darwin's work in this area. Dissatisfied with the photos I found with the photo agencies, I decided to try getting my own, and I designed and built a special photo box (basically a small, contained photo studio) for the purpose. In 2016, the Grand National Pigeon Show came to Western Massachusetts, and I got the attached photos, among many others. The last photo (a composite with two different breeds) shows the difference in size between one of the smallest breeds and one of the largest. As with domestic dogs, domestic pigeons are all descended from one species, the same pigeons (technically rock doves, Columba livia) that populate cities around the world.
3
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
2 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Only a mother could love some of these! Ugly doesn't describe their deformities.
FrayedBear
Level 9
Jan 22, 2021
1
A mother or a breeder. Unlike dog breeds, most of which are meant to perform some job or another (at least historically), most pigeons are bred purely for show, with the result that some plainly debilitating traits can become "desirable" (from the breeder's point of view). Many responsible breeders, of course, take obsessively good care of their birds, so what this means in terms of quality of life is not as clear-cut as it might seem.
Recent Visitors 11
Behind-the-dog
Northampton,
19dacar52
CA, USA
Robecology
Ft. Pierce, Fl On The Beach,
dartagnan6666
HI, USA
BirdMan1
Florida, West Coast.,
Photos 1,015 More
Posted by FrayedBearShared from New Zealand.
Posted by FrayedBearPesticides killing birds?
Posted by FrayedBearI just had to share this!
Posted by FrayedBearIt's taken about 75 years for Australian birds & mammals to work out how to use the imported cane toads for food.
Posted by FrayedBearNo one in Victoria, Australia has heard the White Bellied Whip bird for almost 40 years. Have a listen
Posted by FrayedBearNo one in Victoria, Australia has heard the White Bellied Whip bird for almost 40 years. Have a listen
Posted by FrayedBearNo one in Victoria, Australia has heard the White Bellied Whip bird for almost 40 years. Have a listen
Posted by FrayedBearGodwit travels 23560 klms from Alaska to Tasmania in 13 days.
Posted by FrayedBearPeregrine falcons in Melbourne Australia live.
Posted by EyesThatSmileMore bird humor…
Posted by FrayedBearMy current house & pet sit has a new bonus.
Posted by FrayedBearMy current house & pet sit has a new bonus.
Posted by FrayedBearMy current house & pet sit has a new bonus.
Posted by FrayedBearMy current house & pet sit has a new bonus.
Posted by OldGoat43 Not exactly a pretty bird, but he can fly like a pterodactyl.
Posted by InsectraA while back I posted pics of woodcock eggs in a nest.
Members 116Top
Moderator
Related GroupsMore
HARRIS / WALZ Fanatics
38 members
Jokes and humor about religion
282 members
Handy apps for your phone
10 members
British Music and Comedy
52 members
CLASSICAL, OPERA and CROSSOVER
132 members
Conservative Bashers And Progressive Pushers
130 members
Instrumentals
384 members
Uncommon words and their meanings.
505 members