Agnostic.com
2 3

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.

Behind-the-dog 6 Jan 22
Share
You must be a member of this group before commenting. Join Group

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.

1

Only a mother could love some of these! Ugly doesn't describe their deformities.

FrayedBear Level 9 Jan 22, 2021

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.

2

Beautiful pics.

Recent Visitors 11

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.

  • Top tags#birds #video #Australia #friends #religious #religion #hope #world #wife #parents #god #florida #Canada #death #reason #Song #movies #dogs #species #society #book #hell #animals #books #babies #beliefs #Atheist #culture #kids #money #relationship #religions #DonaldTrump #hello #USA #soccer #moral #NewZealand #Wisconsin #nation #mother #evidence #rescue #holy #college #children #climate #fear #earth #cats ...

    Members 114Top

    Moderator