African Owl

The African Owl is a small fancy pigeon from the owl family, with a short beak, rounded head, compact body, and breast frill. Despite the name, the modern breed has been shaped through fancy-pigeon breeding in several countries and is kept mainly for exhibition. It is one of the classic short-faced frill breeds, valued for type, head proportions, and neat body balance rather than working flight.

African Owls need attentive loft management because short-faced pigeons can be less forgiving than utility breeds. Feed size, chick rearing, and pairing choices should be watched closely, and some lines may benefit from experienced foster parents if rearing is weak. Breeders select for head shape, frill, body balance, feather quality, and vigor. Clean, uncrowded housing helps protect the frill and prevents delicate birds from being pushed aside by stronger loft mates. Buyers should ask whether a line is bred for show, natural rearing, or both.

Colors: Black, Blue Bar, Dun, Red, Silver, White, Yellow