Thuringian Wing Pigeon
The Starling, Startaube, or Black Swiss , is a breed of fancy pigeon created through generations of selective breeding and originating in Germany. The breed encompasses multiple varieties, differentiated mainly by plumage. It belongs to the Colour Pigeons breed group (EE0400 or individually as NL/0405) by the European Standard Committee for Pigeons. it is recognised under the Color breed group by the US National Pigeon Association. The starling is characterised by a dark, black, body-spanning plumage defined by prominent beetle green iridescence. The best known variety of starling is the barred starling (pictured), which possesses the characteristic lustrous plumage of the breed with the addition of two defining white bars along the wing coverts. THe body is loosely flecked with wash out reds and golds. It also possesses a more pale-feathered crescent mark on the neck's front, which is sometimes white or grey but it is more commonly likened to the colour of a starling (Sturnus vulgaris) the resemblance for which the breed is named. The German name of the breed, Staarenhals makes this comparison even more obvious, translating literally to "starling neck". The beak is proportional to the head, strong and dark with a white cere. The eyes are a deep orange-red and the legs are a coral pink and typically clean without extensively feathered cuffs.
| Life Span | 6-15 years |
| Weight | 0.2-0.5 kg |
What to Know Before Buying a Thuringian Wing Pigeon
Finding a responsible Thuringian Wing Pigeon breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells pigeons commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.
Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the Thuringian Wing Pigeon. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.
Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding Thuringian Wing Pigeons appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.
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