Mariolinha

Mariolinha is a small domestic pigeon breed known mainly in Portuguese-language pigeon fancy circles, developed from the rock pigeon, Columba livia. The name is usually treated as a local fancy breed rather than a commercial utility type. Birds are valued for a neat, balanced build, active carriage, and the range of standard pigeon colors that breeders may work with, from blue and black to ash red, brown, dilute, grizzle, almond, checker, bar, and barless patterns. Because English-language references are limited, individual family lines may differ in size, head detail, and show emphasis.

Keepers manage Mariolinhas like other small fancy pigeons: a dry loft, steady feed based on grains and legumes, mineral grit, and room for short daily exercise are more important than elaborate housing. Anyone buying breeding stock should compare birds with the standard used by the seller's club and ask whether the line is selected for exhibition, flight, or both. Markings and color quality can take several generations to fix, so careful pairing and simple records help maintain the type in a rare breed.

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