Reverse wing pouter pigeon is a breed of fancy pigeon that lacks a “front” wing, and instead solves the problem of flying without it by putting its wings around its back. The bird’s body feathers are so long that they cover its normally useless wing, which it uses as a balancing aid. The curious thing about these birds is that both males and females have this feature, showing that it is not something related to gender or size.
The reverse wing is a more recent development than the regular, normal winged breed of a pouter pigeon. Reverse wing pigeons were not first bred until 1968. Before that, the only way to get an unwinged pigeon was to swap out the bird’s flight feathers.
So they are considered a type of mutation. Only recently have they been raised in any numbers, and that is because it makes food collection easier for birdwatchers and pigeon fanciers who are trying to breed them. The reverse wing pouter pigeon was first bred in 1968 in California by well-known pigeon fancier Charlie Day.
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How to identify reverse wing pouter pigeon?
Identifying a reverse wing pouter pigeon is relatively easy. First, if you see a normal pouter pigeon’s wings, its body feathers are likely blending in with the wing’s feathers. It can be difficult to tell which side of the bird they do not blend in with. The point where the wing and body feathers are sometimes a bit more visible.
Pigeon fanciers know that the quickest way to determine if a pigeon is reversely winged is to look at its tail. On a normal pigeon, its tail feathers are spread out and downward pointing. On a reverse pouter, the tail feathers will be pointed toward each other and not spread out at all.
Behavioral characteristics
The reverse wing pouter pigeon has a generally good temperament. If handled properly, the bird is completely docile. They are not aggressive and can be kept in small living quarters. However, because of their innate curiosity and because they are flightless birds, they may be easily injured if curious children just want to pick it up and play with it.
They are very alert birds and their body language should be watched carefully to determine what mood they’re in. If you notice them in a defensive mood, they’re more likely to bite. In terms of care, the reverse pouter pigeon is very easy. The cage should be large enough for them to spread their wings and fly, but they will not be able to flap them. Pigeons feed on seeds, millet, and mashes. They also take care of their waste.
Uses
Reversed-wing pouter pigeons were originally developed for pigeon racing. Their agility and speed make them great racing pigeons of all kinds. With the recent increase in the popularity of reverse wing pouters, they are more likely to be offered as pets and show birds. They are also very attractive birds that will enjoy watching people from their cages or taking part in bird shows. However, they are not used as well as the normal breed pigeon because they do not fly.
Special Considerations:
The reverse-wing pouter pigeon is a new breed, which means it may not be known to be friendly with cats or dogs. You should always keep them away from other pets to prevent any problems. They do not like the rain and do not show any signs of alarm when wet, but if they are forced to take shelter in a house during a storm and the roof leaks, they can drown.
Reverse-wing pouters have been bred in many different colors. However, review the full breed profile of the reverse-wing pouter pigeon in the following table.
Best 10+ information:
| Breed Name | Reverse Wing Pouter |
| Other Name | None |
| Origin | California, United States |
| Classification | Fancy Pigeon |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Body Type | Medium Body Type |
| Colors Allowed | All Colors & Patterns Accepted |
| Breed Purpose | Racing, Show, Ornamental |
| Temperament | Docile and Accepting of All Other Pets & Children. |
| Flying Ability | Unable To Fly In Nature and Captivity |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Rarity | Rare |
| As Pets | Friendly |
| Lifespan | 15–18 years |
