Egyptian Swift Pigeon

In Egypt we have many pigeon breeds from different kinds, fliers group, owls group, homers group and tumblers group. The most famous one is the flier group which called the Egyptian swift, these group divided into some breeds. The Egyptian pigeon is a distinct breed of pigeons native to the country of the pyramids. Egyptian pigeons are better known as "the Egyptian Swift". The breed was first recognized as a distinct version of the conventional pigeon back in the 18th century.

Its narrow body characterizes the Egyptian pigeon, which is long and sloping with a concave back. These birds have a relatively low station and stand upright upon short legs. Compared to its body the Egyptian pigeon has a relatively smaller and articulate head fitted with a small beak. On observation you will find that the legs of the pegion do not have any feathers under the hock. It is because of these characteristics that the Egyptian pigeon was assigned the name of "Swift". The body of the Egyptian Swift is covered with a dense lining of long feathers that are very brittle in nature. The characteristics mentioned here are the standards for the show bird version of the Egyptian pigeon.

The standards for the flying Egyptian pigeon are somewhat different. The body of the flying pigeon is not as skinny nor is it as densely covered with feathers, as is the body of the show bird. The flying bird is generally about 2 inches shorter in height than the show bird and has a far more compact body that does not display any feathers loosely attached to the body. Unlike the show bird, the flying bird has been longer legs and a larger head. Cross breeding between these two versions of the Egyptian pigeon is common in Egypt. The purpose of crossing the two varieties is to develop a bird that has excellent flying ability and yet some prime show qualities.

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EGYPTIAN SWIFTS

The Show Egyptian Swift

Long sloped and narrow body with concave backs. Low station as expressed by short legs and upright station. Articulate small heads with short beaks. Legs are free from feathers below the hock. All the above gave the bird its name the Swift after the Chimney Swift. They have luxurious amount of long and brittle feathers covering a small body.

The Flying Egyptian Swift

The body is not as skinny and feathery as the show bird. The flying bird is one or two inches shorter than a show bird, compacted and showing hardly any loose feathers. Legs tend to be of medium length rather than the short size of the show bird. The head size is also larger than a show bird. In Egypt there is a considerable crossing between the two groups to complement each other. The ultimate goal for a flying bird then is to reach a bird with a combination of good flying ability with most of the show qualities, but certainly not all.