Helpful member
Spotted these 2 very strange coloured pigeons in Parque Reina Sofia in Guardamar del Segura yesterday. Any birdwatchers here will definitely want to see these. Just go around the ponds and you will see them. Pics here
In Valencia City the pigeon owners paint them like this to aid identification, presumably for racing.
Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2022 11:45am
Helpful member
Never heard of that before
Neither had I, we saw them in the city a few times and found out from there.
I don't know if it is only there or it's common throughout the country.
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Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2022 1:19pm
Super helpful member
Such pedgeons belong to so called "Palomistas" better mind them.
Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2022 2:17pm
Helpful member
Here's an article about it:
It's a bit of a cruel sport but this is Spain and it's part of their culture.
The female is let loose and chased by dozens of male pigeons with the sole intention of rape. The owners of the male pigeons get points if their pigeon is successful.
Some of these pigeons are very valuable and the owners think nothing of climbing over fences, walls or balconies to retrieve their birds. I really feel sorry for the female pigeon who is usually left bloodied & exhausted.
Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2022 5:59pm
Helpful member
Interesting how these 2 birds ended up living in the park in Guardamar though
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