Tumbler pigeons are varieties of domesticated pigeons descendant from the Rock Dove that have been selected for their ability to tumble or roll over backwards in flight. This ability has been known in domesticated breeds of pigeons for centuries. In Wendell Levis book The Pigeon reference is made of pigeons with this tumbling ability existing in India before the year 1590. Charles Darwin in his The Origin of Species makes reference to the Short Faced Tumbler which was a popular breed during his lifetime, and still can be found exhibited at pigeon shows today. There are many different breeds that have descended from the original tumbler stocks. Some of the more popular breeds today include:
- Australian Performing Tumbler
- English Longface Clean Legged Tumbler
- English Short Face Tumbler
- Iranian Highflying Tumbler
- Komorner Tumbler
References
- Levi, Wendell (1977). The Pigeon. Sumter, S.C.: Levi Publishing Co, Inc. ISBN 0853900132.
- Darwin, Charles (2004). The Origin of Species. London: CRW Publishing Limited. ISBN 1904633781.
