UFOs over Chesham

[Frazzle]

Hi, wanted some help with some very odd looking birds over sunny Chesham this afternoon.

I first noticed them around 2 o'clock flying very high with the local swifts but very different looking fellas. Four in total, 3 very white, one with more grey markings on the body and wings.

Size about a feral pigeon, couldn't see the head properly but generally white with black/grey markings around the neck, however all four had distinct red patches on the wings near to the body, almost rose coloured. I think one had a red patch on the rump too. Tail like a pigeon, slightly fanned but medium sized. Wings more pointed than a pigeon I'd guess.

They flew with very rapid wing beats and occasionally tumbled to take insects, I assume. They seemed to stay in one area for about 3-4 hours then moved on. Didn't seem to be making any noise discernible over the screeching swifts.

I tried googling but no joy, never seen anything like them. I assume they're some sort of escapee but not like the parakeets I've seen in London.

Has anyone any ideas, as its driving me nuts not knowing ?

Cheers

Fraz.

[Farplace]

How about fancy pigeon? Welcome to Wab

[~T~]

Originally Posted by Farplace

How about fancy pigeon? Welcome to Wab

Pigeons taking insects on the wing?

[aeshna5]

Sound like tumbler pigeons to me + wouldn't be feeding on insects on the wing in this species.

[Frazzle]

Thanks folks, I'm guessing it could be Fancy/Tippler/Tumbling pigeons, which are new to me, but we live and learn. I also guess the red/rose patches are artificial and dyed for recognition/hawk scaring purposes.

Very unfair confusing a rank amateur like me, thought we had something exciting.. oh well.

F

[Finndog]

From the description -

very white, one with more grey markings on the body and wings.

Size about a feral pigeon, couldn't see the head properly but generally white with black/grey markings around the neck, however all four had distinct red patches on the wings near to the body, almost rose coloured. I think one had a red patch on the rump too. Tail like a pigeon, slightly fanned but medium sized. Wings more pointed than a pigeon I'd guess.

They flew with very rapid wing beats and occasionally tumbled to take insects,

Could this be an adult Hobby with Juve's out hunting?

[artdemole]

Tumbler pigeon fits the description.Can be trained to give shows on flying demonstration.

[~T~]

Wow just had a look at some vids of them on youtube. Do they do this just for fun or is it some inbuilt genetic disorder like fainting goats?

YouTube - ‪Re: Wholly Rollers are Birmingham Rollers‬‏