The Saint pigeon is a breed of fancy pigeon, developed by H.P. Macklin using selective breeding. Breeds used in the development of the Saint included the Mane (Schmalkaldener Mohrenkopfs), Moorhead, and the Jacobin Characteristics The Saint is known for its unusual and prolific feather ornamentation, its white pearl eyes, and its upright stance. The shell crest is large, curving around the head, and extending onto the neck. The legs are covered with feathers of about an inch in length extending onto the toes.
While it was originally developed as pure white, it is now seen in varied colored splashes or tigered.
History This breed's beginnings are well known. H.P. Macklin started developing this breed from the Main, Moorhead and Jacobin in the late 1950s through the early 1960s, reporting on his early work in the American Pigeon Journal in the May issue of 1963. The name was derived from the city of its creation, Saint Louis. A breeding standard was developed for the breed to guide further development. Macklin introduced feather curling into the breed using Frillbacks as the cross, but this feather feature is rarely, if ever, seen today.
Status The breed did have a club supporting the breed's development, but it is no longer in existence. The Rare Breeds Pigeon Club now supports this variety, along with other rare breeds.
Gallery
See also List of pigeon breeds Pigeon keeping Pigeon Diet Pigeon Housing
References