Magpie

Named for its sharp pied pattern, the magpie pigeon is a fancy domestic pigeon descended from the rock pigeon, Columba livia. In English-speaking show lofts the name usually refers to the English-type Magpie, a trim, clean-legged bird with an upright carriage and clean divisions between colored and white plumage. Black, blue, ash red, brown, dilute, grizzle, indigo and other pigeon colors can appear, but the breed's identity rests on pattern and outline rather than on one color alone.

Magpies are kept mainly by exhibition fanciers and small hobby breeders, not as racing or squab pigeons. A dry, well-ventilated loft, bathing water, mineral grit, and steady pairing management are enough for most healthy birds, but producing correct markings is the real challenge. Breeders select for body shape as well as clean color breaks, since attractive patterning on a weak frame will not hold up in show competition. Local standards should be checked before buying, because accepted colors and exact marking details can differ by club or country.

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