Oriental Roller Pigeons

A Bluebar Oriental Roller
Photo courtesy of Frank Mosca

Oriental Rollers are somewhat larger than the more common (in the US) Birmingham Roller Pigeons. Orientals somersault in flight, but they also do twists and other moves. They also don't fly together in a "kit" as well as most other Rollers, as they are more individualistic in their flight acrobatics. This is possibly one of the oldest of the rolling breeds. These pigeons come from the Middle East and parts of Asia.

The wings are carried below the tail and the tail itself has 14-16 feathers instead of the more normal 12. Charracteristic of the breed is the lack of an oil gland.