Extraordinary Pigeons

by Stephen Green-Armytage

The photographer for Extraordinary Chickens and Extraordinary Pheasants showcases exotic pigeon breeds from around the world including the Volga Tumbler Pigeons, the Philippine Bleeding Heart Doves, Jacobins, Pouters, and Trumpeters. 25,000 first printing.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Birds, Photography

112 pages, Hardcover

First published October 7, 2003

Reviews

[Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't read the text of this spectacular book. The photos are impressive of these colorful and unusual pigeon species and breeds.

[Desirée Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pigeons have an extraordinary history! The photographs in this book are vibrant and eyeopening.

[Sal Niner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally featured in the January-February-March 2012 issue of The Columbidae's Cooer newsletter, available at http://dovebook.webs.com/apps/documents/ by the Download link under "Volume #1, Issue#5"; my original article, reproduced in its entirety as follows:

This 112-page hardcover book published in 2003 is the author’s personal portfolio of photos on different domestic pigeon breeds and dove species. At first glance, the title Extraordinary Pigeons might seem like an oxymoron to some; but to me, the two words have always gone together without question nor doubt, even before I knew of domestic pigeon breeds. Therefore, it was a wonder to me why a book needed to be titled this way. Stephen Green-Armytage does a fantastic job revealing these birds to those unfamiliar with them, and in doing so he instills an appreciation of them and, perhaps, an admiration as well.

This book is a journey into the pigeon breeds and dove species the author personally considers “beautiful” or “interesting” and is not, as Green-Armytage has put it, “an encyclopedic reference work or an identification guide”. Before taking us on his photographic journey of these birds, the author’s Preface quotes a passage from T.H. White’s The Sword in the Stone, in which the pigeon is described by Archimedes the owl. Part of that passage has been reblogged on our Tumblr page at:

http://dovebook.tumblr.com/post/18409028204/hermionejg-the-sword-in-the-stone-by-t-h-white

In the “About Extraordinary Pigeons and Doves” section, the author goes over a very brief evolutionary and biological history of a few of these birds as well as a history of human use from consumption to breeding for exotic/physical artificial attributes, to racing and mail delivery, to military use and finally for general keeping. The “Breed Notes” section briefly describes the physical characteristics of domestic breeds and wild species of these birds. The “Acknowledgements” and “Further Resources” sections list contacts whom were instrumental in the inclusion of material for this book, and are recommended for further reading/study. The “Index of Breeds and Species” is different from the “Breed Notes” in that it lists in alphabetical order only the pigeons and doves that are identified by photograph in the book.

Overall, I give this book five out of a possible five stars because it is a great starter resource for those unfamiliar with certain pigeon breeds and dove species. At the very least, it provides a photograph and a name of the bird which can be further researched through other sources.

[Aria Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the author's books on hens and pheasants, this one about pigeons contains many beautiful pictures of amazing birds, some being very surprising and looking almost like aliens! ^_^
A chapter at the end gives info on pigeons in various cultures and their role as message carriers during WWI and WWII, as well as info on all the breeds portrayed.

[Justwinter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most beautiful photographs of pigeons. I could look at this for hours, and sometimes do.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

THESE ARE FUNNY, DORKY, AND BEAUTIFUL!!!

[Tippy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love pigeons so much! And this book has some crazy varieties. Some of my favorites have long leg and feet feathers. Great photographs in this book.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pigeons in all their infinite variety. A great picture book.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some amazing looking birds in this collection. My favourite was the Andalusian Mountain Pigeon (I think that was it) which is the size of a chicken

[Scott Zuke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye-opening and inspirational.