Pigeons of Egypt

Here in America pigeons are considered dirty birds.  They hang out on roof tops leaving their droppings everywhere.  People have been enthralled with the pigeon since it was first domesticated, shortly after our other best friend the dog. Who would have thought that they could be so beautiful?  Did you know that the ancient Egyptians used them to carry information about the Nile's flood levels?  They were worshiped as ferility goddessess in Mesopotamia.   Pigeons delivered the first Olympics results in 776 BCE. I can go on and on about what they have done in history. 

But then there are the pigeons of Egypt.  Above is the Crested Frillback Pigeon.  Its feathers are twisted and turned round.

This is a black English Longface Tumbler

Egypt, too, has pigeon houses

This is a Englilsh Longface Tumbler

This is a Jacobin Pigeon.  Some people raise these birds as a hobby while others try to do it for a living.  I am including a video which I found fascinating.