Pigeons come in a variety of colors, ranging from solid white to solid black and many patterns in between. A pigeon with black and white coloring is often referred to as a checker or checkerboard pigeon. The technical term for their color pattern is “piebald”, which refers to an animal having patches of white and another color. Let’s explore some more details about black and white pigeons!
What causes the black and white coloration?
The piebald coloration of checker pigeons is caused by their genetics. The pattern is created by an incomplete dominant gene called the “spread” gene. This gene causes white spotting and varies in expression from bird to bird. The more copies of the spread gene a pigeon inherits from its parents, the more white spotting it will have. A pigeon that inherits one copy will have fewer and larger patches of color than a pigeon that inherits two copies of the spread gene. The pattern can range from mostly white with small patches of color to the opposite, mostly colored with small white patches or spots.
Common patterns
Here are some of the most common black and white pigeon patterns:
- Tiger grizzle – Large patches of black, white and gray
- Checker – Even-sized blocks of black and white
- Pied – Irregular black patches on white
- Splash – White base color with splashes of black
- Baldhead – White head and body with black wing and tail feathers
The possibilities are endless when it comes to the sizes, shapes and configurations of the black and white markings. Each bird has a unique pattern based on its genetic makeup.
Breeds known for black and white coloration
While any breed of pigeon can display piebald patterns, some breeds are particularly associated with the black and white checkerboard look:
- English Carrier – Considered one of the most beautiful checker breeds
- Oriental Frill – Small breed often exhibiting baldhead pattern
- English Trumpeter – Known for its trumpeting vocalizations
- Jacobin – Distinguished by feathered hood covering head
- Lahore – Elegant breed originally from Pakistan
There are many other breeds like Archangels, Komorner Tumblers and Old Dutch Capuchines that commonly have the piebald coloration. Domestic checker pigeons are descendants of the wild Rock Pigeon, which also displays checkerboard patterns.
Breed | Place of Origin | Distinguishing Features |
---|---|---|
English Carrier | England | Medium-sized breed, long wings |
Oriental Frill | Turkey and Middle East | Small, round head, frilly chest feathers |
English Trumpeter | England | Strong, loud trumpeting voice |
Genetics behind checker pigeons
To understand how black and white pigeons get their coloring, we need to understand some basics about pigeon genetics. There are three important pigment genes in pigeons:
- Black-red – Controls deposition of black and red/yellow pigments
- Blue-brown – Controls deposition of blue and brown pigments
- Spread – Produces white spotting by preventing pigment cells from reaching feathers
By inheriting different combinations of these genes, pigeons end up with different color patterns. The spread gene is what creates the checkerboard pattern by limiting pigment production in some areas, creating white spots and patches.
How the spread gene works
The spread gene prevents melanocyte cells from reaching developing feathers. Melanocytes produce melanin pigment. Without melanin, the feathers develop white instead of colored. The spread gene turns patches of feathers white, creating the checkerboard pattern we see.
Each bird inherits one spread gene from each parent. The more copies of the spread gene, the more white spotting. Heterozygous pigeons with one copy have less white than homozygous pigeons with two copies.
Other genes influence the pattern
While spread is the major piebald gene, other genes also affect the pigeon’s final checkerboard appearance. These include genes controlling the melanocyte cell production rate, melanin type, pattern distribution and number of feather pigment cells.
By selectively breeding pigeons over many generations, humans have created a diverse palette of black and white patterns.
Specialized terms used to describe patterns
There are some specific terms used to describe the different black, white and gray markings of checker pigeons:
- Checker – Evenly sized and spaced black and white areas
- Tiger grizzle – Irregular patches of black, white and gray
- Pied – Irregular predominantly black patches on white
- Splash – White base with splashes or streaks of black
- Baldhead – White head and body with black wings and tail
The pattern terms help identify specific phenotypes and bloodlines. Experienced breeders recognize the subtle distinctions between the different types of piebald patterns.
Conclusion
Black and white pigeons get their checkerboard coloration from genetics, mainly the spread gene influencing melanocyte pigment cell distribution. Selective breeding over generations has created many beautiful variations. The specific pattern names help pigeon enthusiasts identify distinct bloodlines and phenotypes within the broad piebald category. So next time you see a black and white checker pigeon, you’ll know the science behind its unique plumage.