10/06/07

The Helmet Pigeon

Origin: Helmet marked pigeons have been referenced since the early 15^th century. Modern helmet varieties appear to have origins in Germany. The Helmet, as we know it today, was refined in the United States in the latter half of the 20^th century.  

General: Helmets are medium to small sized pigeons. They are characterized by a white body with a colored tail and colored cap on top of he head resembling a “helmet”. Helmets are found in medium and short-faced varieties with the short face being smaller in size. Both varieties can be crested or plainhead. 

Description: The Helmet is a jaunty pigeon with a peppy, active personality. When on show it gives the viewer a zestful impression of a bird with vigor and enthusiasm. The Helmet captures one’s attention, in effect calling out, "I enjoy life, and I have a right to. I am intelligent and healthy, poised, and I appeal to people.”

The AHA show standard states that the helmet should have a head that is medium in size, with broad frontal, showing no indication of flatness. The frontal should rise sharply from the wattle with a well defined forward curve, rising to a full top skull. The neck is of medium length, fairly stout with a “bullish” appearance. The mane extends backward from the rosette area (on crested varieties), blending with and supporting the crest while flowing smoothly down the neck with no breaks to the point where it joins the body. The body is medium sized (small sized on the short face varieties) with a cobby appearance. The tail is neat, narrow and straight. Helmets are well proportioned and present an evenly balanced appearance in all respects. They are sprightly in manner and stand erect, appearing to try to thrust their chest upward. 

Ornaments: Helmets are found in crested and plainhead varieties.  The crest is shell-shaped and prominent. It stands well above the head and is thick and full. It reaches from ear to ear showing no breaks along its edge and ends in completely formed rosettes. 

Color / Markings: The head and tail are colored with the rest of the bird being white. The color of the head and tail is as close to the same color as possible. The AHA recognizes the following color classes; Black, Blue, Recessive Red, Ash Red and their respective dilutes; Dun, Silver, Yellow, Ash Yellow and AORC.

On crested helmets, the head markings extend from the point where the upper and lower mandibles join, then to the rosettes, making a straight line along the bottom of the eye. On plainhead helmets, the demarcation line continues straight back, wrapping around the head in a straight, unbroken line