The Serbian Highflyer is a

breed A breed is a specific group of breedable domestic animals having homogeneous appearance (phenotype), homogeneous behavior, and/or other characteristics that distinguish it from other organisms of the same species. In literature, there exist seve ...

domestic pigeon The domestic pigeon (''Columba livia domestica'' or ''Columba livia'' Form (zoology), forma ''domestica'') is a pigeon subspecies that was derived from the rock dove, rock dove or rock pigeon. The rock pigeon is the world's oldest domesticated ...

that is bred for endurance flying. The breed is characterized by long circle flights up to 15 hours. It can fly as high as . There are about 20,000 fanciers of this breed in Serbia.

Origin

City of

Belgrade Belgrade is the Capital city, capital and List of cities in Serbia, largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and at the crossroads of the Pannonian Basin, Pannonian Plain and the Balkan Peninsula. T ...

Serbia , image_flag = Flag of Serbia.svg , national_motto = , image_coat = Coat of arms of Serbia.svg , national_anthem = () , image_map = , map_caption = Location of Serbia (gree ...

Yugoslavia , common_name = Yugoslavia , life_span = 1918–19921941–1945: World War II in Yugoslavia#Axis invasion and dismemberment of Yugoslavia, Axis occupation , p1 = Kingdom of SerbiaSerbia , flag_p ...

. A relatively recent creation which is not mentioned by Wendell Levi in his text ''The Pigeon''. Some evidence exists that the breed has descended from "The Illyrian Pigeon". This would make the Serbian Highflyer a relative of the

Archangel pigeon The Archangel (, , ) is a breed of fancy pigeon, notable for the metallic sheen of its feathers. Archangels, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon (''Columba livia''). It is kept as an ornam ...

, which has a similar body type. The crest (upturned feathers behind head) on the Archangel come to a "peak" whereas the crest of the Serbian Highflyer is best described as "spade" shaped. The breed is maintained mainly as a performance breed for its endurance and high flying ability, and as such is more akin to the

Tippler The tippler is a breed of domestic pigeon bred to participate in endurance competitions. Flying results of up to 22 hours (non-stop) have been reported. Origins The pigeon evolved from the rock pigeon (''Columba livia'') that is endemic ...

pigeon. It does have a strong following in its country of origin where flying contests are organised. A rare breed outside its country of origin. There are some strong devotees among the high flying fraternity around the world. Not often seen as an exhibition pigeon. However a show

standard Standard may refer to: Symbols * Colours, standards and guidons, kinds of military signs * Standard (emblem), a type of a large symbol or emblem used for identification Norms, conventions or requirements * Standard (metrology), an object ...

has been adopted by ANPA (The Australian National Pigeon Association)

Description

The Standard of Excellence for the Serbian Highflier The most important attributes for this breed are: a/ High flight b/ Long flight c/ Group and circled flight d/ General appearance General appearance: :Small to medium compact pigeon with flat vertical crest. Stance to be at a 45 degree angle. Lively appearance as if ready to fly. Head: :Long and narrow with pronounced flatness on top. Forehead to angle down in line with the beak. Crest to be flat across back of skull reaching to just above top of head. Beak: :Medium long angled downward and slightly curved. Top mandible to be in line with forehead. Stained in dark coloured birds. All others to be clear. Cere to be fine and coloured in accordance with colour of bird. Body: :To be short and stout. Solid and well muscled. Short keel. Feathering to be tight with no gaps. Eyes: :Pearl with as little gravel as possible. Eyes to be centered just in front of the middle of the skull. White or Baldheads may be Bull eyed. Ceres to be fine and coloured in accordance with colour of bird. Neck: :Rather stout. Tapering slightly from body to head. Length of neck to be in proportion to body. Tail: :Short and close with good webbing. 12 tail feathers carried just off the ground. Wings: :Long, to reach tip of tail with strong and prominent wing butts. Carried above the tail. Flights broad and over-lapping with good cover. Size: :170 to 255 grams (6-9 ounces). Short keeled. Legs and Feet: :Clean legged. Skin to be red in colour. Colours and Markings: :All colours and patterns are acceptable. Pattern not to affect quality. Faults: :Feathers on legs, rounded head, over long or thin in body, long keel, overlarge size, eye colour other than pearl or bull in white and balds, more or less than 12 tail feathers, any evidence of being crossed to other breeds. Ring Size: :Size B (8 mm)

References

* Seymour, Rev. Colin (Ed)(2006) ''Australian Fancy Pigeons National Book of Standards''.

External links

Club of Serbian highflier

Serbian Highflier United Pigeon Club – Australia

Club of Serbian highflier
{{Webarchive, url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170430143614/http://carskaptica.com/ , date=2017-04-30 Pigeon breeds originating in Serbia

Origin

Description

See also

References

External links