Archangel-Gimpel pigeons ( Gimpeltaube )

Gimpeltaube - Bouvreuil -  Gimpel (Archangel)

The Archangel is a breed of fancy pigeon, notable for the metallic sheen of its feathers. Archangels, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon . It is kept as an ornamental or fancy breed, valued for its unusual appearance. Archangels are small, weighing about 12 oz. They have unfeathered legs and dark orange eyes. They may or may not be crested. The body of the bird is bronze or gold with wings that are either black, white, or blue. This breed is also known as the Gimpel, which is German for Eurasian bullfinch. The United States is the only country in which all color forms are referred to as "Archangels", in Great Britain only the black and copper colored birds are called Archangels, this is because the black and copper color type was created in Great Britain. The Archangel is known as Gimpeltaube in Germany, most color types were refined in Germany. This is a very old breed, the most likely place origin is Dalmatia / Illyria. Breeders maintain consistency within the breed by following the breed standard.