Classic Frill

The Classic Frill pigeon, also previously known as the Old Fashioned Oriental Frill or Classic Old Frill, has a rich history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire. It was specially bred for the Ottoman Sultans and is known as Hünkari, the bird of the Sultans in its homeland, Turkey. The breed was developed in the Manisa Palace, an old Ottoman city in western Turkey, and was kept away from the general public for centuries. This unique breed was first imported to England by H. P. Caridia in 1864 and first exhibited in America in 1879. The breed has strong followers both at home and abroad, and it is known for its beautiful and unique appearance, including a breast frill, peak crest, grouse muffs, and a medium-short thick beak. The Classic Frill is a small to medium-sized cobby bird with a jaunty disposition and is known for its calm demeanor. The breed has also been used as "droppers" by breeders who race homing pigeons.

The Classic Frill was redeveloped after the breed, now called Oriental Frill or Modern Oriental Frill, was bred the point where the beaks are extremely short as to require feeders to raise their offspring. The Classic Frill really returns to its legacy where they can feed their young!

Coming in what I call "4 main types" there are blondinettes, satinettes and both varieties are either lace tailed or spot tailed. Blondinettes (like ones pictured on the page) are "self" colored birds, meaning they have color over their entire bodies. Satinettes, on the other hand, are a shield marked bird with white bodies and heads and colored tails. Between the two varieties and patterns there are over 40 different combinations recognized in the breed! (Check them out here: Classic Frill Club Website - Color Class Numbering). All are some of the most exquisite birds in the entirety of pigeondom, rivalling the stunning color breeds from Germany, and even the "top-tier" fancy pigeons like fantails and Jacobins.