Crested Picard
The crested Picard is a French regional domestic pigeon, generally treated as the crested form of the Picard type associated with Picardy. It is part of the broad exhibition and utility pigeon world descended from the rock pigeon, with emphasis on body substance, breed outline, and the head ornament that gives the variety its name. The crest is usually the feature that separates it from plain-headed relatives, but it should sit neatly with the head rather than overwhelm the bird. Colors and markings depend on the standard followed by the breeder or national club.
In the loft, crested Picards are managed more like medium to larger fancy pigeons than high-performance flying breeds. Nest space, stable pairs, and attention to chick rearing matter because body type is part of the attraction. Crest feathers should be kept clean and checked after molt, especially if the shape begins to interfere with vision or mating. Selection for show stock balances crest, head shape, carriage, and vigor; birds that look ornate but breed poorly are of limited value to a long-term loft.
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
