The Norwich Cropper pigeon is a breed of domestic fancy pigeon. It was developed in the Norfolk area of England over many years of selective breeding.
This breed of domestic pigeon and other varieties, all are descendants from the feral or wild rock pigeon. Earlier history of this breed is somewhat lost in time.
But the breed is thought to have been developed from a Dutch breed called the Oploper. Read some more information about this pigeon breed below.
Norwich Cropper Pigeon Appearance
The Norwich Cropper pigeon is a medium to large sized bird with beautiful appearance. It is a slim bird which stands erect, almost on tiptoes. It can hold the inflation of it’s crop for a long periods of time.
lobe of these birds is large and round, which stands out from it’s body at right angles. The continuous inflation of it’s crop, and the erect station of it’s body are the outstanding characteristics of these birds.
They usually have smaller sized head in proportion to their body and globe size. Their beak is of medium length with a slim upper mandible that is slightly curved at the tip.
Eyes of the Norwich Cropper pigeon are rather bold with fine, thread like eye cere. The color of their eyes is usually red-orange, but the white birds have bull eyes.
Their wings are of medium length which are held close to the body. Their body feathers are hard, silky and tight, and fitted very close to the body, particularly in the thigh and vent areas.
Tail of the Norwich Cropper pigeon is closely fitting and carried just clear of the ground. Their legs are set well in the center of their body and are clean.
Average body height of the Norwich Cropper pigeon is about 38 cm. And average live body weight of the mature birds vary from 425 to 455 grams.
The breed is smaller in size than the English Pouter, but larger than the Pigmy Pouter pigeon. Photo and info from RightPet and Wikipedia.
Uses
The Norwich Cropper pigeon is mainly an exhibition breed. It is raised for exhibition purpose and also good for ornamental purpose.
Special Notes
The Norwich Cropper pigeon is a very beautiful breed with wonderful appearance. Most of the cropper pigeons are highly regarded for their delightful and attention loving personalities.
It is very friendly in nature and is companionable. And the breed is often considered as the best of the best. It has very good and calm temperament and can be very good as pets, along with raising for show purposes.
The breed is also good for ornamental purpose. They are pretty hardy, and average lifespan of these pigeons is about 7-10 years.
However, review full breed profile of these birds in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Norwich Cropper |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Exhibition, ornamental and pets |
| Special Notes | Beautiful birds, hardy and strong, highly regarded for their delightful and attention loving personalities, very friendly, relatively calm temperament, excellent for show purpose, good for raising as pets |
| Breed Class | Medium to large |
| Weight | 425 – 455 grams |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Flying Ability | Good |
| As Pets | Good |
| Color | Many |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | England/Netherlands |
