Miniature American Crested

The miniature American crested is a small fancy pigeon, not the wild crested pigeon of Australia, and it descends from the domestic rock pigeon, Columba livia. It is associated with American Crested-type exhibition pigeons but selected in a reduced size. The head crest is the feature visitors notice first, whether it is described as a shell, peak, or breed-specific crest by the standard being used. Good birds should still have a balanced body, clear eyes, smooth feathering, and enough substance to rear young reliably.

Care is similar to other compact show pigeons, with extra attention to the crest and head feathers. Lofts should be dry and airy, because dense feathering around the head can hold dirt and encourage irritation if birds are crowded. Breeders select for crest placement and symmetry, but fertility, parenting, and steady temperament matter just as much in a miniature strain. It helps to confirm whether the birds are registered or shown under a miniature class, since some collections may simply describe smaller American Cresteds with the same name.

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