Flanders Smerle
The Flanders Smerle is a Belgian fancy pigeon associated with Flanders and the smerle or owl-frill tradition. Smerle pigeons are generally compact, refined birds with short beaks and breast frills, related in appearance to owl pigeons. The Flanders form carries regional importance and should be distinguished from other frill breeds with similar outlines.
Flanders Smerles need attentive loft management because short-faced frill breeds can be less forgiving than hardy utility pigeons. Clean feed, grit, low-stress nesting, and close checks on squab feeding are important. Breeders should select for correct frill, head, beak, body balance, fertility, and vigor. If foster pairs are used, records help keep parentage clear. Buyers should ask about the line's breeding reliability as well as the quality of the frill.
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
