For many years, people have watched with delight the soaring of pigeons in the sky. But among many breeds of birds there are especially spectacular ones. For example, Crescent pigeons, whose wingspan is like a sickle, which is why they were called that. They are unusual, and their flight captivates the eye.
Sickle pigeonsOrigin
One glance at birds in life or in a photo is enough to understand why their name is Crescent Doves. The unique wingspan makes the flight of the birds inimitable and recognizable.
The first evidence of the appearance of sickle pigeons in the Russian Empire dates from the beginning of the twentieth century. It happened in Ukraine, before that such birds could only be found in Turkey and Syria. They were immediately noticed by the Ochakovsky pigeon breeder Kirichenko and began to select the best individuals. Thanks to this, the breed received its new name - Ochakov inverted pigeons - and became the pride of Ochakov. Already in the postwar years, specialists began to improve the breed. This happened in 3 stages, during which:
- improved flight abilities;
- made the flight as graceful as possible;
- started training, thanks to which Sickle-eared pigeons mastered new tricks.
In our time, this species is developed as follows:
- pay attention to the clarity of the case;
- try to achieve a wing clearly open with a sickle;
- rely on the selection of birds with a smooth swing of the third wave.
Often the crossing of species becomes the cause of the loss of the former qualities that distinguished this breed from others. The problem is that pigeons regularly fall as a result of loss of balance.
Appearance description
Crescent pigeons, although small in size, have a muscular, well-developed body. They have a small head and a curved profile, short legs and thick plumage. Folded wing almost reaches the tip of the tail. A prominent feature is the convex fourth joint on the wings. It is at his expense that pigeons make a sickle, and their flight becomes incredibly impressive. Feather colors are different, but eye color has a lot of weight in determining belonging to a breed: they should be light.
Already from 2 months young chicks are taught a unique style of flight. Eversion pigeons are hardy and capable of long flights. True, they prefer to do it alone. It is good to train in the morning and evening hours: at night, when it is dark, it is very dangerous to do it.
Features
To notice Ochakov pigeons there is a chance in the sky off the coast of Crimea. There was also a case when Rostov residents captured the flight of these beauties. Experts generally suggest that the climate of the Black Sea region had the best effect on the flight of Crescent Pigeons, because strong winds affect other birds not in the best way, often hampering their movement. However, this breed simply strengthens its muscles with its help. In addition, such birds have the ability to quickly adjust to the direction of the wind.
Why are birds called inverted sickles? It's just that during the flapping of the wing, the extreme feathers are turned inside out and touch each other with their tips, creating a circle. This specificity also helps to make a phenomenal flight. Individuals move in the air horizontally with respect to the ground, but people who are contemplating from below get the impression that the movements of the winged ones seem to be slowed down.
Crescent pigeons have such distinctive features:
- they quickly recover after the offspring and fly regardless of the time of year;
- are considered great parents;
- fly at ease, easily and smoothly;
- do not suffer from the influence of air masses;
- excellently oriented on the terrain.
This applies only to purebred birds, which as a result of selection are fewer and fewer. For some unknown reason, inverted winged birds return home only after a couple of days, there are also those that never fly to their dovecote again.
Nutrition and Care
These pigeons are distinguished by their energy and unpretentiousness. Excellent survivability gives them the opportunity to adapt to any living conditions, even extremely difficult ones, so not only experienced pigeon breeders, but also beginners will be able to breed them. Only one main condition for their maintenance needs to be taken into account: they need space, because of this, the dovecote should be large, balconies and attics are not acceptable for them. You also need to monitor the cleanliness and illumination of the room.
Kulagin N.I., Ochakovsky sickle pigeons, Zimovniki village, Rostov region, 8 928 159 23 85
Crescent pigeons in the Tambov region of Vladimir and Nikolai
Mixtures of cereals and legumes are suitable for feed, with a smaller portion of wheat and a larger portion of millet and legumes. It's all about the short intestines of the birds, which are only suitable for easily digestible food. One thing can be said for sure: the pleasure of observing the flight of Crescent Doves is incomparable and very difficult to forget. Breeding these birds is absolutely simple, it does not require much time and effort. But the reward will be artistic soaring of pets under the sun and clouds.