Fun Tippler Pigeon Facts For Kids

The tippler pigeon is a domestic pigeon breed that is renowned for its excellent flying ability and for participating in competitions. Its exact origin is unknown, however, it is assumed that it developed from the famous rock pigeons which are endemic to the area that falls between China and the Mediterranean, like all other pigeon breeds. It is assumed that it originated in 1845 in East Cheshire, England, close to the silk milling towns of Macclesfield and Congleton. Some tippler pigeon breeds are believed to have emerged in the Middle East! It is also assumed that cross-breeding was performed between the Homing pigeon breed and the Cumulet to produce the tippler as it allowed a longer flight range and also improved the endurance of the bird. They are excellent birds that are quite intelligent, can fly for long distances, and are great for exhibition purposes. They can also be trained easily for long flying durations!

There are various tippler pigeon breeds that differ in appearance and size. The Gordon Huges tippler is a common breed of these birds, that was bred in England by Gordon Hughes. It was bred mainly so that it could participate in endurance competitions conducted by the National Tippler Union. This breed has been in flight for more than 19 hours many times! Jack Boden tippler pigeons were bred in England by Jack Boden. This type of tippler pigeon was also bred so that it can participate in endurance competitions. This tippler breed has flown for more than 20 hours many times! The Sheffield tippler was bred in Sheffield for the purpose of competitions. This breed has also flown for more than 20 hours many times! It is a beautiful red and yellow-colored pigeon - Macclesfield tipplers are another famous type. Keep reading to get to know more about the infamous tipplers!

If you enjoyed reading our fun tippler pigeon facts, you must check out our Nicobar pigeon interesting facts and victoria crowned pigeon surprising facts!
 

What type of animal is a tippler pigeon?

A tippler is a breed of pigeon. Tipplers are intelligent, strong flyers, easy to train birds that can fly for long durations. It is assumed that it developed from the famous rock pigeon which is endemic to the area that falls between China and the Mediterranean, like all other pigeons. There are various Tippler pigeon varieties that differ in appearance and size. A tippler is a pigeon bred to compete in endurance competitions. This breed has also flown for more than 20 hours many times! It is a beautiful red and yellow-colored pigeon. The Macclesfield tippler, Merredith tippler, Irish Blue tippler, Manchester tippler are other famous types.

What class of animal does a tippler pigeon belong to?

Tipplers belong to the class of Aves like all other birds.

How many tippler pigeons are there in the world?

The population of this species is abundant and does not face any significant threat. Their population number has not yet been evaluated.

Where does a tippler pigeon live?

Tipplers are quite common in the Northern Hemisphere from the Mediterranean to China. They are raised in captivity extensively for participation in endurance competitions where records of flying for 22 hours non-stop have been reported!

What is a tippler pigeon's habitat?

Tipplers live in a variety of habitats, from cliffs and rocks, to open and semi-open areas. They also occupy urban regions in close proximity to humans. They are commonly kept in captivity and can be found in homes as a pet. It is not known yet whether these pigeons migrate or not. However, we do know that their ancestors, rock pigeons, are not migratory.

Who do tippler pigeons live with?

Tipplers can be seen commonly in flocks. Even in captivity, they are kept in large flocks. Flocks of these pigeons are known as a kit. They have evolved from the prevalent rock pigeon (Columba livia) that live with humans everywhere.

How long does a tippler pigeon live?

It can live for three to five years on average in the wild!

How do they reproduce?

Tippler pigeons are monogamous. They form a pair and mate for life! Their nest is usually built on structures like statues or buildings. They build their nest with straw and sticks. The female tippler lays two white-colored eggs in this nest. The male and the female both sit on the eggs for incubation. These eggs hatch within 17-19 days. The young, known as squabs, are cared for by both their parents.

The Tippler pigeon is assumed to be a crossbreed. It is also assumed that cross-breeding was performed between the Homing pigeon breed and the Cumulet to produce the tippler as it allowed a longer flight range and also improved the endurance of the bird. The Gordon Hughes tippler was bred mainly so that it could participate in endurance competitions. This breed has been in flight for more than 19 hours many times! The Jack Boden tippler is another type of tippler pigeon that was also bred so that it can participate in endurance competitions. This tippler breed has flown for more than 20 hours many times!

What is their conservation status?

Tippler pigeons have not yet been listed in the IUCN's Red List.

What do tippler pigeons look like?

The tippler pigeon (Columbia livia) is a medium-sized pigeon that is a member of the family of doves and pigeons, Columbidae. It is a game bird that has evolved from the Rock pigeon. It has various breeds that come in a range of colors, namely, yellow, red, blue, white, black, and gray. It has flecked marking over it and its tail and wings have dark-colored feathers. It is not as plump as the Rock pigeon, it is quite slender. It has red or orange-colored eyes. The bill is black-gray along with a white cere (base of the upper beak). It has pinkish-red-colored feet.

How cute are they?

These birds have refined and noble looks that make everyone love them universally!

How do they communicate?

Pigeons communicate with each other by producing a high-pitched call, mainly to their partners. They are not very loud but can communicate efficiently.

How big is a tippler pigeon?

It ranges between 11-15 in (27.9-38.1 cm) in length and has a wingspan of 24-28 in (60.9-71.1 cm). Their average length is similar to the length of the German nun pigeon!

How fast can a tippler pigeon fly?

Tipplers have gone through extensive training to fly long hours. Tipplers are very clever and are long-flying pigeons that can not live without taking a long flight regularly. It is an exceptionally good endurance-flying breed. Flying tippler sport is a very popular sport in England, typically conducted by Great Britain's National Tippler Union, where old birds and young birds take part. A kit of pigeons goes through extensive training to compete in this competition. Astonishing flying records of 22 hours (non-stop) have been reported! Hughes tipplers have been in flight for more than 19 hours many times and Boden Tipplers have been recorded to fly for over 20 hours many times. An extraordinary flying record of 18:07 (young birds) was recorded in 1976 and a flying record of 20:40 (old birds) in 1975.

How much does a tippler pigeon weigh?

The weight of these birds ranges between 8.4–13.4 oz (238.1-379.8 g).

What are the male and female names of the species?

Male tipplers are known as cocks whereas the female tipplers are known as hens.

What would you call a baby tippler pigeon?

The young of these birds are known as squabs.

What do they eat?

Tippler pigeons feed upon seeds and grains they find on the ground. They are known to forage in a kit as well as individually, They might also feed upon scraps of human food. Their predators are eagles, gulls, crows, and ravens.

Are they dangerous?

No, these birds are not at all dangerous. They have never proven to be fatal towards humans.

Would they make a good pet?

Yes, they are very cute and make great pets. They are raised for flying purposes mainly as well as for exhibition purposes. They are known for their remarkable flying abilities and can endure long flights!

Did you know...

The tippler Pigeon has the ability to drink water continuously. It doesn't have to lift up its head to swallow water like other species of birds!

The flying tippler sport originated in 1840 in England to observe which bird could fly for the longest duration!

What is the largest breed of a pigeon?

The giant runt is the largest pigeon breed. It can be seen in Campagna, a region in Italy, southern France, Spain, and the United States.

What is the rarest pigeon?

The pink pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri) is the rarest of all pigeon species. It is a member o the Columbidae family and is endemic to Mauritius.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these owl facts for kids and Macaw interesting facts pages!

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Tippler pigeon coloring pages!