Barb

The Barb is an old wattle pigeon with a compact body, short face, stout beak, and heavy eye and beak furnishings that develop as the bird matures. It belongs to the group of fancy pigeons selected for head character rather than flight performance, and it has long been compared with carriers, owls, and other short-faced breeds. A good Barb should look strong and balanced, with facial tissue that enhances type without overwhelming the bird.

Barbs need careful loft hygiene because wattles and eye ceres can collect dirt or become irritated. Breeders should select for clear eyes, normal breathing, fertility, and moderate development rather than tissue for its own sake. Young birds may not show their final head points, so evaluation takes patience. Short-faced families also deserve nest checks, since some pairs feed squabs better than others.

Colors: Almond, Ash Red, Bar, Barless, Black, Blue, Brown, Checker, Dilute, Dun, Grizzle, Indigo, Mottle, Opal, Pied, Recessive Red, Red, Silver, Splash, Spread, White, Yellow