Purebred Pigeon Sept/October 2025

specimens of good origin that even made me give up on the breed. In com- petitions in Spain, it is usually one of the most numerous breeds but only a few are of quality, with a large number of rounded specimens, with a notable loss of verticality and an- gularity and with the aforementioned beak defects. I notice a ten- dency to overvalue the small size and to be lenient with the absence of a “tirilla” (dewlap or a portion of feathered and taut skin that runs from the base of the beak to the “floquet” (bow tie) at the top of the “corbata”(tie). The errors are complemented by not demanding verticality, curvature of the neck at its junction with the nape of the neck, that the pigeon in action rests on its toes like a ballet dancer (let’s not forget that “Figurita” means figurine in reference to a small tin soldier in a standing position), and basing the positive judgment only on the adequate shape of the head. Sometimes the iris colors tend toward oily green and the judges are fiercely severe, while serious morphological defects are ignored. In foreign birds, these defects are barely visible today, and the only defect that could be attributed to is excessive size, either selective or due to genetic drift from more northern populations. In short, I see foreign breeders as more interested and spe- cialized, while Spanish breeders overlook serious defects and value qualities that don’t make high-quality, well-rounded birds. Perhaps they should breed fewer and seek higher quality. Although the breed’s prolificacy encourages an overpopulation of birds, they should be rigorously culled if they have defects (one year I bred 15 birds from two top quality pairs and didn’t keep any). The Club Figurita España, which could be the only one to propose or accept changes in the breed standard, has remained dormant and inactive for years, but at least a new group of fans who are members of AVIVAL, a local Valencian entity, are rekindling their enthusiasm for the breed with visibly positive results. It seems there is light at the end of the long and dark tunnel. OFFICIAL STANDARD OF THE EUROPEAN ENTENTE HEAD: Small, slightly broad, and angular in contour. Flat above, but slightly sunken in the center, and somewhat more prominent at the back of the skull. BEAK: Small, thin, short, and somewhat blunt. In a continuous line with the forehead. NASAL CARUNCLES: Small and smooth. EYES: Large and close to the beak. Orange-red in color. In white specimens, they are vetch-colored. EYE RIM: The rim is thin but broad, pale in light-colored feathers, and darker in more strongly colored specimens. NECK: Medium-sized and arched at the back, forming an angle at the nape of the neck. In front, it forms a slight dewlap on the throat that ends in the “floquet.” TIE: Vertical, starting at the throat with feathers directed symmetrically upwards and to the sides, forming the so-called “floquet.” It continues to the chest, where it forms a “rosette” of ruffled feathers. CHEST: Broad and rounded. BACK: Short and well-closed back, forming a 45-degree angle with the ground. WINGS: Medium-sized, angular, thin, and close to the body, reaching almost to the end of the tail, where they rest without crossing. TAIL: Medium-sized and well-closed. Made up of 12 feathers. LEGS: Medium-sized, strong, and vertical. Red in color, they can be featherless or feathered, but always showing the tips of the toes. PLUMAGE: Fine, silky, and close-fitting. VARIETIES: All colors and patterns are acceptable, but always well-defined and shiny. FAILURES: Excessive size, round head, long beak, thick neck, lack of a ruff or “floquet,” rounded or “boat-like” shape. JUDGMENT: General appearance, head, beak, neck, and ruff, size. Flirtatious and lively attitude. RING: Without leg feathers: 7 mm. With leg feathers: 8 mm. 7 – Purebred PIGEON Carmen Illustration of Figurita