Italian Owl
The Italian owl is a fancy pigeon in the owl and frill family, a group of compact exhibition pigeons with rounded heads, short facial structure, and a ruffled breast frill called a jabot. The owl name refers to the soft-headed show look, not to wild owl behavior or a different species. Italian owls are judged on proportion, head quality, frill placement, body carriage, and smooth feather condition, with color and markings handled according to the standard followed.
Breeding Italian owls requires a balance between show type and vigor, because very short-faced pigeons can need closer attention during feeding and rearing. Lofts should be dry and uncrowded so the breast frill and facial feathers stay clean. Pairing decisions should favor birds that breathe freely, feed young reliably, and keep enough strength for normal loft life. Buyers should look for alert movement, clear eyes, sound feet, and a head and frill that fit the breed without pushing the bird into frailty.
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
