The Nun pigeon is a breed of domestic fancy pigeon which is also known as the Dutch Shell Pigeon in continental Europe. It was developed over many years of selective breeding.
This breed along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, all are descendants from the rock pigeon.
It is one of the oldest pigeon breeds and was originally a flying tumbler before being developed for exhibition.
Exact origins of this breed are unknown, but it resembles the Tumbler pigeons, from which it originated.
The breed is named so mainly for the raised feathers which form a kind of hood which covers the back of the neck and head. Read some more information about the Nun pigeon breed below.
Nun Pigeon Appearance
The Nun pigeon is relatively a smaller sized breed, mostly with white bodies and is designated according to the color of their head.
These birds can be black headed or a yellow headed Nun. Head, tail and the flight feathers are mainly colored. They have a distinctive ‘shell crest’ of upturned feathers along the back of the neck.
They are clean legged and their eyes should be pearly white in color. Their beak is straight but stout.
The British Nun Club standard for the Nun states that the ideal size for male birds should be 9 inches (23 cm) from the top of the bird’s head to their feet, and 10 inches (25 cm) from the front of the chest to its tail.
Female and young birds should be roughly the same size. Average live body weight of the mature birds is about 370 grams. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Uses
The Nun pigeon is used for both flying and exhibition purposes. It is also good for raising as pets.
Special Notes
The Nun pigeon is a hardy and strong bird. It was a popular flying bird in the western Europe in the past centuries.
Nun pigeons are one breed in a group of pigeons who fly at high altitudes, along with types of Tumblers and the Magpie breed.
But modern birds are bred only for exhibition purpose in the United States.
The breed is also very good for raising as pets. However, review full breed profile of the Nun pigeon in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Nun |
| Other Name | Dutch Shell Pigeon |
| Breed Purpose | Flying, exhibition and pets |
| Special Notes | Beautiful birds, hardy and strong, was a popular flying bird in the past, can fly at high altitudes, good for exhibition, good for raising as pets |
| Breed Class | Small to medium |
| Weight | Around 370 grams |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Flying Ability | Good |
| As Pets | Good |
| Color | Many |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Europe |
