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{{Short description|Breed of pigeon}}
{{Short description|Breed of pigeon}}
[[Image:A Jacobin Pigeon.JPG|thumb|A Jacobin pigeon]]
{{Infobox Pigeonbreed
| name          = Jacobin
| image        = A Jacobin Pigeon.JPG
| imagecaption  =A Jacobin pigeon
| status        = Common
| altname      =
| country      = India
| nickname      =
| augroup      = Asian feather and voice pigeons
| usgroup      = Fancy pigeons
| eegroup      = Structure pigeons
| extinct      =
| crest        =
| feather      =The head ornament is a combination of three parts known as the hood, mane and chain.
| note          =A popular exhibition breed.
}}
The '''Jacobin''' is a [[breed]] of [[fancy pigeon]] developed over many years of [[selective breeding]] that originated in [[Asia]].<ref name="Levi">{{cite book |last=Levi |first=Wendell |title= The Pigeon|year= 1977|publisher= Levi Publishing Co, Inc|location= Sumter, S.C.|isbn=0-85390-013-2 }}</ref> Jacobins, along with other varieties of [[Domestic pigeon|domesticated pigeons]], are all descendants of the [[rock pigeon]] (''Columba livia''). It is in the Asian feather and voice pigeon show group.
The breed is known for its feathered hood over its head.<ref>Seymour, Rev. Colin (Ed)(2006) ''Australian Fancy Pigeons National Book of Standards''.</ref>


The '''Jacobin''' is a [[breed]] of [[fancy pigeon]] developed over many years of [[selective breeding]] that originated in [[Asia]]. <ref name="Levi">{{cite book |last=Levi |first=Wendell |title= The Pigeon|year= 1977|publisher= Levi Publishing Co, Inc|location= Sumter, S.C.|isbn=0-85390-013-2 }}</ref> Jacobins, along with other varieties of [[Domestic pigeon|domesticated pigeons]], are all descendants of the [[rock pigeon]] (''Columba livia''). It is in the Asian feather and voice pigeon show group.
The breed name comes from the feather arrangements on their heads (known as a muff or cowl) that look similar to the hoods that [[Jacobins (religious order)|Jacobin]] monks wore.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burke's Backyard |title=The Jacobin Pigeon: Breed Guide |url=https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/pets/pet-road-tests/birds/jacobin-pigeon/#:~:text=Jacobins%20cost%20from%20%2450%20to,since%201949%20arrived%20in%201991.}}</ref>
The breed is known for its feathered hood over its head.<ref>Seymour, Rev. Colin (Ed)(2006) ''Australian Fancy Pigeons National Book of Standards''.</ref>  
 
It is an unusual and popular pigeon.  It can be found on the  cover of ''Extraordinary Pigeons''<ref>{{Cite book |last=Green-Armytage |first=Stephen |title=Extraordinary Pigeons |publisher=Harry N. Abrams Inc. |year=2003 |isbn=9780810946309 |edition=1st |location=China |pages=cover, & 62-62 |language=English}}</ref> and the [[American Pigeon Journal]] devoted an entire issue to the breed.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hollmann |title=American Pigeon Journal 1986 May |url=https://pigeoncote.com/books/apj1970/apj5.html |journal=[[American Pigeon Journal]] |volume=1986 |issue=May}}</ref>
 
== Origin and habitat ==
Jacobin Pigeons originated in [[India]], but have evolved after many years of [[selective breeding]].<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/pets/pet-road-tests/birds/jacobin-pigeon/|title=Jacobin Pigeon|first=Don|last=Burke|date=September 19, 2013|website=Burke's Backyard}}</ref> The breed started in India in the 1500s but has since evolved into the Jacob we know today. Explorers brought the breed to Europe in the 16th century.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pigeonask.com/|title=Pigeon Ask &#124; We Answer Your Pigeon Cooeries!|date=September 5, 2021}}</ref> A distinguishing factor commonly associated with this breed of bird is the feathered hood covering its head, this is a [[genetic mutation]]. This breed, along with a few others has evolved from the [[Wild Rock Pigeon]] or the "feral pigeon".<ref name="auto2">{{cite web |url=https://www.roysfarm.com/jacobin-pigeon/#:~:text=Jacobin%20Pigeons%20come%20in%20a,red%2C%20yellow%2C%20and%20silver. |title=Jacobin Pigeon: Characteristics & Best 23 Facts |website=roysfarm.com |date=October 14, 2023}}</ref> The Jacobin Pigeon gained its name through the Jacobin order of [[Monk]]s, present in the year 1100 who were also known for their distinct hoods and practices.<ref name="auto3"/> This breed's lifespan is around 15 years and is not for beginner bird keepers. Their habitat often includes a self-built flimsy nest found in tall trees or buildings, as they adapt quite well to human development.
 
== Appearance ==
The Jacobin Pigeon is a medium-sized pigeon not as robust as a racing pigeon. Hidden behind the feathers is a slender lanky body. Colors can vary in this species, ranging from white, black, blue, red, yellow, and silver.<ref name="auto3"/> Over its head, there is a distinct muff or [[cowl]] of fluffed feathers that form in the shape of a rosette surrounding the pigeon's head. The hood stands around 5 inches around the skull of the animal. The bird grows to around 14 inches and weighs about 350 grams.<ref name="auto"/> While the body and head are covered in feathers, the legs are bare.<ref name="auto"/> It is extremely hard to tell the difference between male and female Jacobin Pigeons just based on their color and appearance. As they are almost identical in markings and colors, only a trained eye can easily determine the gender of adult pigeons solely based on appearance. The male pigeon tends to have a thicker head and wider neck, looking more [[robust]] than a female of the same species. A juvenile Jacobin Pigeon will have paler feathering than the adults and will not have developed a robust neckband of feathers.<ref name="auto2"/>
=== Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Jacobin Pigeon.jpg|Black Splash
Jacobine_pigeon_black_NPA_National_2026_01_23.png|Black
Jacobine_pigeon_red_NPA_National_2026.png|Red splash
File:Jacobin(red).jpg|Red
File:Jacobin Pigeon (18899979605).jpg|Head View
File:Schachtzabel 1906 Tafel 55.jpg|Schachtzabel 1906 Tafel 55
</gallery>
 
== Mating ==
Jacobin Pigeons have a unique way of [[reproduction]]. When bred in [[captivity]], the hood is trimmed to prevent it from interfering with mating. Generally, Jacobins should have found a mate by late July. When hens are ready to lay eggs, they lay one egg and then wait one day before laying the next. Often [[Foster care|foster]] parents are used for this breed, Jacobin breeding has led to a short beak which makes feeding chicks much harder.<ref name="auto3"/> Homer Pigeons are often used as the foster parents for the Jacobins. Once the Jacobins have found a mate, it is crucial to keep them away from other birds. Male Jacobins choose their mate by circling a female on the ground and inflating his neck feathers. The males are often very aggressive to other males who could cause a threat. The birds will fight until one or the other "wins" and take over the space as well as the female.
 
== Diet ==
They get the [[majority]] of their hydration from standing water.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.crittersquad.com/fact-sheets/jacobin-pigeon-fact-sheet/|title=Jacobin Pigeon Fact Sheet|website=C.S.W.D}}</ref> Pigeons can actually drink from standing water just by dipping their beak into the water, they do not have to tip their head back to swallow like other birds.<ref name="auto1"/> When kept in captivity, it is easier to regulate what the Pigeons are eating. They can be fed regular store-bought pigeon food. Adding wheat and legumes is popular when providing the birds with their diet, mixing this with pigeon feed is important. While Pigeon feed is not a great feed to give alone, it provides necessary vitamins and minerals to the pigeon.<ref name="auto"/>


The breed name comes from the feather arrangements on their heads (known as a muff or cowl) that look similar to the hoods that Jacobin monks wore.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pigeonpedia.com/jacobin-pigeon/|title=The Jacobin Pigeon: Breed Guide}}</ref>
== See also ==
== See also ==
{{Commons category|Jacobin Pigeon}}
*[[List of pigeon breeds]]
*[[List of pigeon breeds]]
* [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:American_Pigeon_Journal_1960_12.pdf American Pigeon Journal 1960 Dec.]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last=Levi |first=Wendell |title= Encyclopedia of Pigeon Breeds|page=195|year= 1965|publisher= Levi Publishing Co, Inc|location= Sumter, S.C.|isbn=0-910876-02-9}}
{{refend}}
== External links ==
* {{commons category-inline}}


[[Category:Pigeon breeds]]
[[Category:Pigeon breeds originating in India]]
[[Category:Pigeon breeds originating in India]]
[[Category:National symbols of India]]
{{Domesticated-pigeon-breed-stub}}

Latest revision as of 12:31, 5 February 2026


Template:Infobox Pigeonbreed The Jacobin is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding that originated in Asia.[1] Jacobins, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants of the rock pigeon (Columba livia). It is in the Asian feather and voice pigeon show group. The breed is known for its feathered hood over its head.[2]

The breed name comes from the feather arrangements on their heads (known as a muff or cowl) that look similar to the hoods that Jacobin monks wore.[3]

It is an unusual and popular pigeon. It can be found on the cover of Extraordinary Pigeons[4] and the American Pigeon Journal devoted an entire issue to the breed.[5]

Origin and habitat[edit | edit source]

Jacobin Pigeons originated in India, but have evolved after many years of selective breeding.[6] The breed started in India in the 1500s but has since evolved into the Jacob we know today. Explorers brought the breed to Europe in the 16th century.[7] A distinguishing factor commonly associated with this breed of bird is the feathered hood covering its head, this is a genetic mutation. This breed, along with a few others has evolved from the Wild Rock Pigeon or the "feral pigeon".[8] The Jacobin Pigeon gained its name through the Jacobin order of Monks, present in the year 1100 who were also known for their distinct hoods and practices.[6] This breed's lifespan is around 15 years and is not for beginner bird keepers. Their habitat often includes a self-built flimsy nest found in tall trees or buildings, as they adapt quite well to human development.

Appearance[edit | edit source]

The Jacobin Pigeon is a medium-sized pigeon not as robust as a racing pigeon. Hidden behind the feathers is a slender lanky body. Colors can vary in this species, ranging from white, black, blue, red, yellow, and silver.[6] Over its head, there is a distinct muff or cowl of fluffed feathers that form in the shape of a rosette surrounding the pigeon's head. The hood stands around 5 inches around the skull of the animal. The bird grows to around 14 inches and weighs about 350 grams.[7] While the body and head are covered in feathers, the legs are bare.[7] It is extremely hard to tell the difference between male and female Jacobin Pigeons just based on their color and appearance. As they are almost identical in markings and colors, only a trained eye can easily determine the gender of adult pigeons solely based on appearance. The male pigeon tends to have a thicker head and wider neck, looking more robust than a female of the same species. A juvenile Jacobin Pigeon will have paler feathering than the adults and will not have developed a robust neckband of feathers.[8]

= Gallery[edit | edit source]

Mating[edit | edit source]

Jacobin Pigeons have a unique way of reproduction. When bred in captivity, the hood is trimmed to prevent it from interfering with mating. Generally, Jacobins should have found a mate by late July. When hens are ready to lay eggs, they lay one egg and then wait one day before laying the next. Often foster parents are used for this breed, Jacobin breeding has led to a short beak which makes feeding chicks much harder.[6] Homer Pigeons are often used as the foster parents for the Jacobins. Once the Jacobins have found a mate, it is crucial to keep them away from other birds. Male Jacobins choose their mate by circling a female on the ground and inflating his neck feathers. The males are often very aggressive to other males who could cause a threat. The birds will fight until one or the other "wins" and take over the space as well as the female.

Diet[edit | edit source]

They get the majority of their hydration from standing water.[9] Pigeons can actually drink from standing water just by dipping their beak into the water, they do not have to tip their head back to swallow like other birds.[9] When kept in captivity, it is easier to regulate what the Pigeons are eating. They can be fed regular store-bought pigeon food. Adding wheat and legumes is popular when providing the birds with their diet, mixing this with pigeon feed is important. While Pigeon feed is not a great feed to give alone, it provides necessary vitamins and minerals to the pigeon.[7]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Levi, Wendell (1977). The Pigeon. Sumter, S.C.: Levi Publishing Co, Inc. ISBN 0-85390-013-2.
  2. Seymour, Rev. Colin (Ed)(2006) Australian Fancy Pigeons National Book of Standards.
  3. Burke's Backyard. "The Jacobin Pigeon: Breed Guide".
  4. Green-Armytage, Stephen (2003). Extraordinary Pigeons (1st ed.). China: Harry N. Abrams Inc. pp. cover, & 62-62. ISBN 9780810946309.
  5. Hollmann. "American Pigeon Journal 1986 May". American Pigeon Journal. 1986 (May).
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Burke, Don (September 19, 2013). "Jacobin Pigeon". Burke's Backyard.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 "Pigeon Ask | We Answer Your Pigeon Cooeries!". September 5, 2021.
  8. 8.0 8.1 "Jacobin Pigeon: Characteristics & Best 23 Facts". roysfarm.com. October 14, 2023.
  9. 9.0 9.1 "Jacobin Pigeon Fact Sheet". C.S.W.D.
  • Levi, Wendell (1965). Encyclopedia of Pigeon Breeds. Sumter, S.C.: Levi Publishing Co, Inc. p. 195. ISBN 0-910876-02-9.

External links[edit | edit source]