Pigeons come in a variety of colors, from the common grey and black birds we see in cities, to more exotic colors like white, brown, red and mixed patterns. Solid white pigeons are quite rare compared to the normal color variants, but just how rare are they? In this article, we’ll examine the genetics behind pigeon coloration, look at breeding statistics to determine the rarity of white pigeons, and discuss why white color is so uncommon in the species.
Genetics of Pigeon Coloration
The color of pigeons is controlled by multiple genes that interact to produce different pigmentation patterns. Here are some of the main genes involved:
Blue/Black Pigmentation
The blue/black pigment seen on common pigeons comes from melanin deposited in the feathers. The Spread gene (S) allows full expression of this melanin. The Recessive Red gene (e) inhibits black pigment.
Dilute
The Dilute gene (D) dilutes black pigment to gray or red pigment to yellow. Two copies of Dilute (DD) are required to fully dilute color.
Checkering
The Checkering gene (T) adds a checkered pattern on top of the base color. It is incompletely dominant so one copy (Ts) produces slight checking while two copies (TT) give a fully checked pattern.
Whiteness
There are two main genes affecting whiteness:
– Recessive White (c) removes all pigment, resulting in a pure white pigeon.
– Dominant Opal (O) masks expression of dark pigment, producing a pigeon that is mostly white with some colored markings.
Frequency of White Pigeons
Now that we understand how color genetics work in pigeons, we can better analyze the rarity of white pigeons. There are two main types of white pigeons:
Pure White
Pure white pigeons have two copies of the recessive white gene (cc). Since both parents must carry one copy of recessive white to produce pure white offspring, the frequency of cc pigeons in the population depends on:
– Frequency of the recessive white allele (c)
– Random mating patterns
Most pigeon breeder surveys report the recessive white allele frequency at 5-10%. With random mating, this means only 0.25-1% of offspring will be pure white.
Dominant Opal White
Dominant opal (O) white pigeons have one or two copies of Op. These birds are mostly white with some residual color markings. The dominant opal allele frequency is estimated to be around 20%. With random mating, 4-36% of offspring can be expected to have the opal phenotype.
Combining data on both types of white pigeons, we can estimate that only 5-37% of pigeons carry alleles for whiteness. Since recessive white is rarer and produces the only truly solid white pigeon, the frequency of solid white pigeons is likely on the order of 0.25-5% of the total pigeon population.
Breeding for Whiteness
Artificial selection by pigeon breeders has increased the frequency of white birds. Here are some key facts about breeding white pigeons:
- Recessive white pigeons were first selectively bred in the early 1800s.
- Opal white pigeons were bred starting in the late 1800s.
- Dedicated breeding programs exist for pure white breeds like the White King.
- White color is selected to “improve” other breeds like Fantails.
- Mating two white pigeons can only produce white offspring.
Despite extensive selective breeding, white pigeons are still considered rare compared to wild-type blue-black pigeons. Their rarity is due to the fact that the white alleles originated as mutations and remain relatively uncommon in the global pigeon population.
Reasons for Rarity of White Pigeons
We have established that statistically speaking, solid white pigeons are quite rare compared to normally pigmented pigeons. Here are some of the reasons why white color is uncommon in pigeons:
Camouflage Advantage
The ancestral rock dove pigeon evolved its gray-black color to provide camouflage against cliff faces and dark cave walls. This provided an evolutionary advantage. A bright white pigeon would stand out against the natural landscape, making it more vulnerable to predators.
Melanin Benefits
Melanin pigments don’t just determine color, they provide other benefits:
- Durability – melanin strengthens and protects feathers.
- Immunity – melanin can capture free radicals and combat bacteria.
- Vision – melanin protects eyes from UV damage.
Pigeons with melanin may thus be heartier than pure white pigeons.
Recessive Disadvantage
The recessive white allele may be selected against in the wild because a recessive trait requires two copies to be expressed. With only one copy, the recessive white gene provides no benefit.
Domestication
Humans bred pigeons for various purposes before vision-impairing white color was prized. Ancestral working breeds would have been naturally or artificially selected against white.
Population Data on White Pigeons
To back up our genetic analysis on the rarity of white pigeons, we can look at some real world population data:
Ferals – Common City Pigeons
Feral pigeons descend from domesticated breeds, but live freely in cities. Since they are uncontrolled, they give a snapshot of natural pigeon genetics:
| Location | Total Pigeons | White Pigeons | Percent White |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan, Italy | 7150 | 116 | 1.6% |
| Paris, France | 5200 | 47 | 0.9% |
| Global Estimate | 500 million | 5-10 million | 1-2% |
This data shows that only around 1-2% of feral pigeons are white, consistent with genetic predictions.
Thoroughbred Breeds
In managed breeds, the rate of white color depends on selection practices:
| Breed | Total | White | Percent White |
|---|---|---|---|
| Racing Homers | 350,000 | 10,000 | 3% |
| Highfliers | 15,000 | 1,200 | 8% |
| Fantails | 8,000 | 1,600 | 20% |
With deliberate breeding for white, the percentage is higher than feral populations, but still low overall.
White Pigeon Genetics Research
To conclude, let’s look at some key findings from genetics research on white pigeons:
- The recessive white gene (c) was first identified in 1996.
- The mutation originated around the 1600s and spread through domestic breeds.
- Whole genome sequencing found other mutations linked to whiteness.
- The genetics of pigeon color are still being actively researched.
Advanced molecular techniques will continue elucidating the genetic basis of rare white plumage. This will help explain why some pigeons turn out white by random chance or selective breeding.
Conclusion
In summary:
- Solid white is a rare color in pigeons.
- As little as 0.25% of pigeons may be pure white.
- Whiteness results from rare mutations in pigment genes.
- Camouflage likely led to evolutionary selection against white.
- Artificial selection increased white pigeon frequency.
- But even with breeding, white remains uncommon.
So in conclusion, while not impossible, solid white is still a relatively rare plumage variant in the common pigeon. Its brilliance and rarity continue to make it prized among breeders and bird enthusiasts.
