Berne Peak-Crested

The Berne peak-crested pigeon, often listed from the German name for a pointed crest, is a Bernese member of the Swiss color pigeon group. Its distinguishing feature is the upright peak or wedge-shaped crest rising from the back of the head, set on an otherwise neat domestic pigeon body. Like other Columba livia breeds developed for exhibition, it is judged for proportion, carriage, smooth clean legs, feather tightness, and the way the crest sits without twisting or breaking the outline. Color varieties may include the common blue, black, red, dilute, checker, and grizzle families.

Care is straightforward, but crest quality changes how a breeder looks at youngsters. A promising bird needs enough head feather to make the peak visible while still having clear vision and normal preening. Loft mates that peck head feathers can ruin a show season, so many fanciers separate young birds once the molt begins. Pairing is usually planned around crest shape as well as color boundaries; using only the sharpest crests can expose weakness elsewhere, so vigor and parenting ability should stay in the selection.

Colors: Almond, Ash Red, Bar, Barless, Black, Blue, Brown, Checker, Dilute, Dun, Grizzle, Indigo, Mottle, Opal, Pied, Recessive Red, Red, Silver, Splash, Spread, White, Yellow