In the world there are more than eight hundred species of pigeons living in different territories, and, in addition to wild species, there are no fewer breeds bred by humans.
This article focuses on the rocks, whose homeland has become the Altai Territory.
Types of rocks
All species of pigeons are classified into 4 main groups:
- decorative;
- sports;
- postage;
- meat.
Did you know? The Assyrians portrayed Queen Semiramida in a dovish guise, because they believed that she was fed by these birds, and then herself turned into one of them.
Postage
The name of the group itself suggests that its representatives are a kind of postmen who transmit messages. They are kept all their lives in the same place, and when they are taken to a greater distance from the monastery, the pigeons easily find their way home. Their brain works like a computer, which, having memorized a certain data array, stores it for a long time, until other information displaces it. 
Moreover, in the pigeon's beak, at the very base, there is a magnetic receptor system. Thus, even a chick can remember the level of magnetic tension surrounding its dwelling.
They also assess the weather due to the unique features of the body. Any infrasonic vibrations below 10 hertz are available for understanding. Postal pigeons themselves determine landmarks for themselves and pave the way.
It will probably be useful for you to know the characteristics of the breeds and the conditions of keeping the pigeons.
Of course, in our time, no one delivers correspondence with the help of birds, so representatives of this class are now participating in various competitions, and the difference between postal and sports breeds is purely symbolic.
Video: carrier pigeons - reliable means of communication
Sports
Sports breeds of these birds come from the postal, and have the natural gift of not only high-speed flight, but also the aesthetic beauty of its performance. They are hardy, easy to navigate in space and overcome long distances. Birds are able to hang in the air for a long time, make somersaults and coups, dramatically change their height, swoop, etc.
Consider in more detail what the pigeons of the sports breed are: English tipplers, and what conditions are necessary for their maintenance.
But athletes should be educated: the right choice of the chick, the preparation of the diet, regular training and quality care. In the world there are no more than 10 sports breeds, which are not so easy to acquire. 
Meat
This group includes breeds of large pigeons (weighing up to 2 kg) whose meat can be eaten. Since ancient times, it was considered a dietary product, useful for the body, rich in vitamins and minerals. The meat group includes more than 70 varieties, and young stock reaches slaughter weight at the age of 30-45 days.
Poultry farmers should familiarize themselves with the most popular types of meat pigeons, as well as learn how to breed meat pigeons.
Birds are caged and fed exclusively on corn, wheat, barley and oats. The quality of pigeon meat directly depends on the quality of the food that it consumes during its life. 
Decorative
Decorative breeds satisfy only aesthetic need. They are not able to write kulbits or develop high speed, deliver letters or accumulate muscle mass, suitable for human consumption.
Important! Only experienced breeders can breed decorative pigeons because of the exacting nature of the breeds for conditions of detention and care.
They are beautiful, have an unusual appearance, elegant plumage, original color or physique. Such breeds were obtained by breeding from various species of domestic pigeons. Their representatives often have a crest, long feathers, correct posture, thin limbs and other signs of greatness. 
Breeds of Altai pigeons
There are several native Altai breeds of pigeons:
- scall;
- black-tailed;
- peacock
Read about the top 10 most unusual pigeons in the world.
Shawl
The beginning of her breeding dates back to the XX century. Shawl breed belongs to the subgroup of kachunov and is contained in aviaries. Its representatives have a large rounded head with a pronounced forehead, a small pastel-colored beak, slightly compacted at the base, a long neck, a high breast, a small body, short legs, but large wings and a bushy tail. 
They have a correct posture and a majestic appearance, despite the fact that they shake their heads.
The color of the feathers can be yellow, red or black in combination with white feathers. Dense plumage covers even the limbs, but the area around the eyes remains intact, light pink. Eye color - dark. Distinctive features: the presence of the crown in the form of a crown and mane, tightly connected to it.
Did you know? In Japan, the male pigeon is considered the bird of the god of war, while the dove carrying a sword, on the contrary, personifies the world.
Blacktail
Breeding of this breed began in the XIX century in the Altai Territory. Pigeons are distinguished by their thick plumage of saturated colors and elegant mane (like a fan around the entire circumference of the head). It is practically tame feathered.
They have a small head, small rounded black eyes, a long neck, a small, rough, slightly dulled beak, a wide breast and a short back. They have short legs, wings pressed tightly against the body, and a magnificent, high-set tail. Doves look very harmonious. 
Peacock
Perhaps the most beautiful variety among all. Its representatives look soft and soft, therefore they are frequent guests at weddings, exhibitions and other festive events. The feather color may be different, but the most popular color is white.
We advise you to familiarize yourself with the description of peacock pigeons and the characteristics of their breeding.
The birds have a small head and the same small wings, short legs and a compact body. A distinctive feature of the breed - the presence of a magnificent tail raznogogo similar in appearance to the peacock. 
If you are a pigeon breeder with experience and decided to breed decorative pigeons, then look at the Altai beauties, because the appearance of these birds will leave few people indifferent.
