Wild Pigeon With Grouse Legging

Hi all,

I work in downtown Detroit, Michigan (in the U. S.). Today I was
walking toward my place of business along Michigan Avenue by Cass
Avenue when I saw a wild pigeon with grouse legging. I wish I had a
camera with me.

I couldn't examine him that closely but it was a blue bar and it
looked pretty much like wild type other than the presence of grouse
legging. For those unfamiliar with the terminology (or in case I'm
using the wrong name) by grouse legging I mean this definition given
by Frank Mosca on his website:

***
Grouse Legged - having small feathers down the legs (tarsi) and all
toes. Some American breeders have suggested this is incorrect
nomenclature since they look in bird books and say no grouse listed
has such feathering. However, they neglect to take into account that
the term was originally a British one and there the word grouse is
used for the birds we, in the States, call ptarmigan (Lagopus sp.).
Those birds (grouse) are feathered on the feet and toes EXACTLY as the
pigeons are, hence the term. (cf. muff & slippered)
***

I always thought that these sorts of mutations must occur naturally
but it was still a bit of a surprise to see a wild pigeon with it.

Anyway, I wanted to share the experience with everyone cause it was so
surprising to me.

--
Onorio Catenacci

Onorio Catenacci <NoSpam RemoveThis @NoSpam.NoWay> wrote in message news:<pBbtc.4280$ZG1.1037@newssvr32.news.prodigy.com>...
> Hi all,
>
> I work in downtown Detroit, Michigan (in the U. S.). Today I was
> walking toward my place of business along Michigan Avenue by Cass
> Avenue when I saw a wild pigeon with grouse legging. I wish I had a
> camera with me.
>
> I couldn't examine him that closely but it was a blue bar and it
> looked pretty much like wild type other than the presence of grouse
> legging. For those unfamiliar with the terminology (or in case I'm
> using the wrong name) by grouse legging I mean this definition given
> by Frank Mosca on his website:
>
> ***
> Grouse Legged - having small feathers down the legs (tarsi) and all
> toes. Some American breeders have suggested this is incorrect
> nomenclature since they look in bird books and say no grouse listed
> has such feathering. However, they neglect to take into account that
> the term was originally a British one and there the word grouse is
> used for the birds we, in the States, call ptarmigan (Lagopus sp.).
> Those birds (grouse) are feathered on the feet and toes EXACTLY as the
> pigeons are, hence the term. (cf. muff & slippered)
> ***
>
> I always thought that these sorts of mutations must occur naturally
> but it was still a bit of a surprise to see a wild pigeon with it.
>
> Anyway, I wanted to share the experience with everyone cause it was so
> surprising to me.


Yo Onorio,
I have seen this quite a bit in feral populations through the years. Every
once in awhile I have rollers born with it, then lose it after their first
molt!
Some pigeon fanciers like it and breed for it. I also happen to like the
appearance, but I like rollers best, and prefer them clean legged.
I have heard "grouse legged" by alot of pigeon fanciers. Most I know call
them stocking legged. "Boot legged" is also very popular. (Feathers down the
entire leg, but not on the feet.) And of course, the Muff is fully feathered
legs and toes, with the toes acquiring long feathers.
Right now, I have about 5-6 ferals that frequent the yard for seed, and one
cockbird is a solid blue-check.........with an all white tail and grouse legs!

Also, sometimes when you inbreed too close, or long, you get birds with
crests or webbed feet!
E-Man