Prize-winning pigeons bring plumage and personality to Devon County Show

Anyone who fancies they know what a pigeon looks like should be prepared to have their minds and eyes boggled at the Devon County Show this May.

Over 350 of the UK’s most unusual-looking ‘fancy’ pigeons will be gathering at the Show, taking place at the Devon County Showground, Westpoint, from May 16 to 18. 

The Show’s Pigeon Secretary, Adrian Down, said: ‘People think it means just a normal pigeon you get off the street but these are far prettier. We’ve got breeders coming from all over the country bringing their best examples of some of the finest fancy pigeons in the land.’

Mr Down, who has been breeding fancy pigeons since he was seven-years-old, said there would be plenty for visitors to enjoy in the pigeon tent this year at the Show, with breeds including Jacobins, which have glamorous film-star style ruffs around their necks, and the feisty Spanish Modenas, who were originally bred for fighting.  Other fancy pigeons to see at the show include: 

Tipplers

Ice Pigeons

Show Racers

Exhibition Fantails

Muffed Tumblers

Limerick Tumblers

West of England Tumblers.

Mr Down said visitors will be able to stroke many of the birds and find out more about their heritage, with expert pigeon handlers offering their insight and a number of information boards and activities for children around the marquee. Mr Down said although there won’t be any racing pigeons at the Show, visitors will be able to see a vintage racing clock - the instrument which measures the speed at which racing pigeons complete their flights. 

Mr Down said: There have been pigeons at Devon County Show ever since I can remember. My mum and dad and my brother all showed them. I’ve had a couple of Best in Shows but it’s not really about that. I’ve got a lot of time for fancy pigeons. I just like looking at them.’