Fancy pigeon

Pigeon fanciers from many countries exhibit their birds at local, inter-state or national shows and compete against one another for prizes.

[1] One typical country show in Australia in 2008 had hundreds of pigeons on display and prizes for the winners.

The extensive variations in the breeds attracted the attention of Charles Darwin and played a major role in developing ideas on evolution.

[8][9] Some fanciers organize exhibitions exclusively for pigeons; one held in Blackpool run by the Royal Pigeon Racing Association is annually attended by about 25,000 people and generates around £80,000 profit, which is donated to charity.

This grouping system is adapted from Australian Fancy Pigeons National Book of Standards.

This group is dual purpose in that its members can be shown, but also retain acrobatic or sporting ability and can therefore be used in flying competitions.