Budapest Short-billed Turman – creepy pigeon, pug of the bird world

Pigeons have lived side by side with humans for many centuries and during this time hundreds of diverse, sometimes unusual breeds have been bred. But the strangest pigeon, according to most experts, remains the Budapest short-billed turman. This "pug" of the pigeon world looks like a cartoon character created by an artist with a great sense of humor.

The Budapest short-billed turman is treated differently. For some, it is the cutest bird in the world, while others consider it incredibly ugly. This unique product appeared thanks to the long-term efforts of Hungarian breeders who set themselves the task of creating a high-class "flyer" from an ordinary pigeon, besides attracting attention.

They did it all right — the Budapest short-beak is funny, like all pigeons at the chick stage, and growing up it becomes even funnier. Pigeons of this breed were first introduced in Budapest in 1907. In addition to its unusual appearance, the bird also received excellent flight characteristics — this type of turman belongs to high-flying pigeons.

A short straight beak, huge eyes protruding from the orbits with ocular rings make pigeons of this breed unlike others. Nevertheless, it is well known that when breeding these birds, birds of the most familiar appearance were involved.

The short-billed pigeon has several forms: the Budapest short-billed stork, the Budapest short-billed turman and the Budinsky short-billed turman. Pigeons can be monochrome or variegated — a huge number of color forms of this breed are known.

For many years, no one has been interested in the flying abilities of short-billed tourmans at pigeon exhibitions and experts evaluate only their appearance. But connoisseurs of the breed claim that the birds have not lost their ability to fly high and for a very long time.