Varieties of fancy pigeons in the Zoo include wigs, hojars, drummers and nuns.

Fancy pigeons

In the Zoo visitors will find all kinds of fancy pigeons. All pigeons have the same ancestor, the rock dove that nests in rocky landscapes and is often seen in urban areas. There is, however, a great difference between pigeons seen in squares of big cities and fancy pigeons that have been bred for centuries to achieve unique color variations and appearance. Pigeons have accompanied man for thousands of years and been used for human consumption, mail travel and as pets. The first fancy pigeons arrived in Iceland with Danish merchants in the nineteenth century and have been bred here ever since.

Type of family

Cock, hen and squab

Mating season

All year

Number of young

2-3 squabs

Arrival time in Iceland

19th century

Weight

0,4 til 3 kg

Pregnancy period

12 - 30 days

Uses

Messengers and pets

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