Targovist Tumbler
The Targovist tumbler is a southeastern European domestic pigeon breed whose name is usually linked to Targoviste, written in several forms in English pigeon lists. It belongs to the local tumbler tradition built around Columba livia, with birds kept for lively flight, home-loft loyalty, and a neat regional appearance. Detailed standards are less widely circulated than those for major show breeds, so fanciers may describe somewhat different head, beak, and color preferences. The common thread is a compact, active tumbler rather than a large utility pigeon or heavily ornamented fancy breed.
In the loft, Targovist tumblers are managed much like other working European tumblers. Young birds are settled before free flight, flown in small groups, and watched for weather, hawks, and fatigue. Lines kept for shows may be judged more on carriage, feather quality, markings, and condition, so buyers should ask whether the strain is flown, shown, or maintained for both. For a scarce regional breed, avoiding close inbreeding while preserving recognizable type is often the main long-term challenge.
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
