Morphological and Morphometric Characterization of an Extremely Short-beaked Turkish Pigeon

OpenAlex English

This study examines the morphological and morphometric characteristics of the Mısıri pigeon, a unique short-beaked breed from Türkiye. Among Türkiye’s local short-beaked breeds, the Mısıri pigeon stands out with its extremely short beak, cubic head, and prominent eyes. Despite Türkiye’s long pigeon breeding history, limited scientific research has led to inconsistencies in breed classification. Morphological and morphometric traits were recorded in Mısıri pigeons. Analysis of variance and principal component analysis were applied to these traits. The three components explain 73.26% and 81.18% of the variation for head and body traits, respectively. The results showed that male Mısıri pigeons are larger than females, 275.59 g and 243.85 g respectively. However, significant differences were not found between color pattern varieties. Compared to other short-beaked breeds the Mısıri pigeon has the shortest beak ever recorded in Türkiye. Their beak lengths vary between 7.97-12.22 mm. Historical sources suggest that similar pigeons originated in Anatolia and were brought to Europe. However, the Mısıri pigeon’s unique skull structure and short beak distinguish it from related breeds. This study emphasizes the need to document and conserve Türkiye’s local pigeon breeds, which remain underrepresented in scientific registries. Despite their distinct traits, many breeds lack formal recognition due to the absence of studies. Identifying and preserving these genetic resources is crucial for maintaining Türkiye’s rich pigeon heritage. In conclusion, the Mısıri pigeon is a genetically and morphologically significant breed. Its documentation contributes to the conservation of Türkiye’s local breeds and the continuation of the country’s historical pigeon breeding culture.