Birmingham Roller

The Birmingham Roller is a breed of domesticated pigeon that originated in England, where they were developed via selective breeding, for their ability to do rapid backward somersaults while flying.[1] As the name suggests and as also mentioned by Wendell Levi in his book The Pigeon, this breed was developed in and around the City of Birmingham in England. The Birmingham Roller has a flying type and a show type. Show Rollers are larger than the flying variety, and are bred just for show. A similar breed called a Parlor Roller look much like Birmingham Rollers, but can't fly...they spin back somersaults on the ground for many yards. Oriental Rollers are another aerial performer and come in many color varieties. Some fanciers fly their rollers in competition, both locally and nationally. There is even a World Cup competition that includes several other countries. Kits (group of pigeons) are scored for quality and depth, as well as the number of birds in a turn.

With about 10,000 breeders around the world, Birmingham Rollers are a very popular breed of domesticated, performing pigeon. Fanciers are found from as far as the deserts of Kuwait, to the marshy backwoods of Louisiana. From the concrete jungle of the Bronx to the asphalt, palm-lined streets of Los Angeles, roller fanciers number in the thousands in the United States alone. Breeders come in all ages and backgrounds, from the kid breeding out of a makeshift pen in the backyard, to the organized and elaborate setups of today's well known veteran breeders.

"The Birmingham Roller is noted for its exclusive ability to turn over backwards and rotate with inestimable speed for considerable distances downwards." This 8 ounce feathered friend is genetically programmed to flip backwards, provided adequate training, diet, and exercise. The spinning can appear to be so fast that the bird looks like a ball of feathers falling toward the ground. They recover from the spin and return to their flock, called a “kit” in competition. The pigeon continues to do the same acrobatics with regular frequency, often in unison with other birds in the kit. The frequency, depth, style, tightness of roll, and angle are all determined by careful and methodical breeding. The flight time, height of flight, and responsiveness to the trainer's commands are all determined by strict training and diet, along with consistent daily routine.

Roller pigeons tumbling flight action is the result of a genetic seizure-like condition that causes them to throw up their wings, cock back their heads, and flip backward, somersaulting repeatedly during flight. This performance varies greatly in its extent as well as the birds' ability to control the trait

I love reading all that information, it's also good for new starts to read, thanks.

Having been involved with pigeons since my early youth and aware of now,how expensive the racing game is,which will prove even more difficult for some to remain in with this regressive economic forecast,why more fanciers,rather than getting out of pigeons for these reasons,don't become involved with the competition Birmingham Roller,it has everything you could wish for,in lots of instances,more than you might ever gain from to days apparently cut throat racing game,its a sport that is increasing steadily ,due no doubt to the Internet,and the enjoyment to be had from same,we have local club competitions,and this year we have formed an All Ireland Roller Club,with four National flies in the pipeline,also The European Cup,when the qualifiers from very many European countries will compete against each other for this title,and finally The World Cup when once again the qualifier winners fly again each other,to try and win the most prestigious title in Birmingham Rollers,its a World wide sport like racing,but unlike racing I can compete against everyone Worldwide under the above format,and its a much more level playing field,monies doesn't make your kit any better,where you live,overfly,underfly,e.t.s.mob flyer's,loft managers,medicines ,pills,and potions,not required,your birds are never mixing,it takes as much stockmanship,and know how to fly and get the best out of a kit of rollers,as it does to create a loft of good racing birds,very few feather merchants involved to rip off newcomers,all things considered to me its structure especially at local level and fanciers I have visited in England/Ireland although very competitive,is based on cameradie,and enjoyment,somethings once associated with the race game in a long bygone era,so its there for anyone who might wish to have a go,don't think you will be too disappointed,oh and the most important things,its not in the least expensive,in comparison to racing,little room required, feed and upkeep of Rollers are minimal in comparsion to racers,but if you intend to come in to make monies,don't bother,there is no money,and maybe this in itself is its appeal.

Good reading Merlin it seems that there is loads of possibilities to enjoy pigeons, a lot of fanciers use to start with fancy/performing/fantails and progress to racing but as you say some are moving from the racing to aforementioned.
We started with fantails then fancy and we have a kit of Birmingham rollers which I hope to work a lot with this year. We have just joined a racing club and enjoy that side as well, time will tell if we can cope with it all, if not then we will do what we best enjoy
The main thing being pigeons and all that comes with it :Yipee: