Spanish Barb
The Spanish Barb is a regional version of the Barb pigeon, one of the old short-faced, wattle-bearing fancy pigeon types. Like other Barbs, it is recognized more by head furnishings than by color: a compact head, short beak, pronounced eye ceres, and a firm, rounded body. The Spanish name suggests a local breeding tradition within the wider Mediterranean and European group of ornamental pigeons descended from domestic rock pigeons.
Spanish Barbs are kept mainly by specialist fanciers who appreciate slow-maturing head detail. The eye ceres and beak setting should be strong without becoming so heavy that the bird struggles to feed, rear squabs, or stay clean. Breeders often evaluate young birds over more than one season, because the face can develop after the body is otherwise finished. Housing should keep perches dry and grit available, and show birds need gentle cleaning around the face before exhibition.
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
