King pigeon

Breed of pigeon

King

A pair of white Kings

Conservation status| Common
Country of origin| United States
Classification
US Breed Group| Utility
EE Breed Group| Hen Pigeons

* Pigeon
* Columba livia

The King pigeon is a breed of pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding primarily as a utility breed.[1] Kings along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons are all descendants from the rock dove (Columba livia).

The breed is known for its large size and suitability for squab production.

## Show Kings

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The breed also has a variety bred for exhibition purposes at pigeon shows. It is called the Show King to distinguish it from the purely utility variety. The American Pigeon Journal even had a special issue devoted to the Show King in their November of 1970 issueAmerican Pigeon Journal. The Show King is dual purpose and can be used for squab raising.[2]

## History

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The King is a dual purpose breed that originated in the United States.[3] They were developed during the 1890s by crossing four older varieties: the Duchess for grace; the Homer for alertness; the Maltese for compactness and style; and the Runt for body and size.[2]

## Roles with humans

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### Food

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King pigeon meat is popular in cuisines of parts of China, North Africa, North America, and some European countries.[4]

## See also

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* Queen of Pigeons
* List of pigeon breeds
* American Squab Journal |https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:American_Squab_Journal_1918_August.pdf

## References

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1. ^ Levi, Wendell (1977). The Pigeon. Sumter, S.C.: Levi Publishing Co, Inc. ISBN 0-85390-013-2.
2. ^ a b Seymour, Rev. Colin (Ed)(2006) Australian Fancy Pigeons National Book of Standards.
3. ^ Levi, Wendell (1965). Encyclopedia of Pigeon Breeds. Sumter, S.C.: Levi Publishing Co, Inc. p. 202\. ISBN 0-910876-02-9.
4. ^ Kokosyzński, D. (2020) Carcass Characteristics, Physicochemical Properties, and Texture and Microstructure of the Meat and Internal Organs of Carrier and King Pigeons.

## External links

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to King (pigeon).