The Tippler Pigeon is bred specially for participation in endurance competitons. It has been reported to fly non-stop for up to 22 hours, which makes it the most outstanding flying breed since recording started.
22:05, Harry Shannon Kit, World Record Old Bird, 21.05.1995
20:29, Karl Kocholl Kit, World Record Young Bird, 2004
Jack Boden Kit, 20:40, 1975
Origin of the Tippler pigeon
Arthur Newton
J. Bodens
All races of breeds of domestic pigeon have been evolved from the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) that cohabits with man everywhere in the world. The domestic pigeon breeds are believed to have been developed in the Middle East. As to the origin of the Tippler pigeon we are at a loss for accurate data. According to one theory, the Tippler pigeon is supposed to have been a cross between the Tumbler and the Cumulet in order to improve their flying qualities and give them a larger range of flight, that is, the Tippler pigeon rake more, which keeps them longer on the wing. This long-term flying has helped to get rid of the tumbling properties. There is no doubt that the Tippler pigeon is man-made through selective breeding. They are of Tumbler descent, but beyond this it is merely a matter of speculation. The Tippler pigeon is thought to be originated in Congleton and Macclesfield mining town in England, around the year 1845. The aim of the old time breeders was to perfect a graceful action of the wings, or "Butterfly Action" and it is the ease and grace with which the wings are used that enable the Tippler pigeon to attain its marvelous duration of flight. Wendell Levi in his book The Pigeon cites a reference from Hepworth (1893) who interviewed a W. Jolly of Mill Green who in 1893 stated that he had been breeding Tipplers for fifty six years. That would take the origin of the Tippler pigeon back to at least 1837. Levi also comments that the breed was developed around Rainow and Macclesfield, and goes on to mention "Macclesfield Tipplers", a strain or type of Tippler pigeon(See below), and that they were named after the region they were developed in.
20 years of inbreeding by Gordon Hughes (1953-1973)
Types of Tippler pigeons
There are a number of well-known types of tipplers named after different breeders or the location they originated from. Most of these types have flown over 19 hours many times.
Hughes are, for instance, a type of tippler pigeon bred by Gordon Hughes in Derby, with a flying record of 18:07 in 1976, young birds.
Another famous type is the Boden bred by Jack Boden in Handsworth with a flying record of 20:40 in 1975, old birds. Bodens have also flown for over 20 hours many times.
"Sam Billingham", Arthur Newton, Joe Davies, and Jack Holland were also among the top breeders of Tippler pigeon in England.
Other popular types include "Lovatt", "Merredith", Shannon also known as Irish Delight, and Sheffield which usually comes in colors red and yellow.
Wilf Lovatt, 20:00, 1963
Eddy Plester, 19:34, 1990
Training of the Tippler pigeon
The Tippler pigeon is a very intelligent (see Pigeon intelligence) bird and can be trained to fly long hours and drop only when the trainer commands it.
The following training program was published by W. Matthews in N.T.U. Yearbook 1987: "Thirty-Six Stages for the Flying Tippler Novice"
Eric Anslow, 21:21 in 1994
Competitions and Flying Rules
The Homing pigeon flies to race home, the Roller pigeon flies to roll, but the Tippler pigeon just flies and flies. This is pigeon flying in its purest form. The fanciers of Tippler pigeons can compete against others anywhere in the world without leaving the confines of their own home. A kit of Tipplers consists of three or more pigeons. The tippler team is best when small; controlling and managing a small kit is in fact easier. Each Tippler club has a set of defined flying rules. Generally, the aim is to let the whole kit of Tipplers fly above/around the house for as long as possible. When one of the Tippler pigeons lands, or if the fancier gives the landing sign, that is the end of the competition. Usually, the birds have to be seen every hour during serious competitions by the referee to make sure that they are indeed flying. Most clubs have their flying rules based on the "NTU flying rules".
Gordon Hughes in his loft.
The competitions are separated in two categories. One for the young Tippler pigeons, and the other for the mature pigeons. To compete in the former a tippler pigeon hatched the same year must bear a seamless band issued for that year. A tippler pigeon with a band from the previous year is considered an old bird, regardless of the birds actual age.
The first race for the old birds normally takes place mid April, the rest following at two week intervals. The years most important competition is arranged on the longest day of the year (in the weekend usually).
Harry Shannon, Ireland.
International Records
- International Results 2007
Top 5 Old Birds
| Record (h) |
Fancier |
Place |
Year |
| 22:05 |
Harry Shannon |
Ireland, Lisburn |
1995 |
| 21:21 |
Anslow |
England, Tipton |
1994 |
| 20:35 |
Imer Saipi |
Germany, Horstmar, |
2005 |
| 20:32 |
Frohwein |
Wales, Dower |
2001 |
| 20:31 |
P. van der Werf |
Holland, Oosterbierum |
2005 |
Top 5 Young Birds
| Record (h) |
Fancier |
Place |
Year |
| 20:29 |
Karl Kocholl |
Germany, Mudau |
2004 |
| 20:01 |
P. van der Werf |
Holland, Oosterbierum |
2002 |
| 19:55 |
A. Mahutian |
Holland, Harderwijk, |
2001 |
| 19:40 |
H. Shannon |
Ireland, Lisburn |
1993 |
| 19:34 |
Plester |
England, Birmingham |
1990 |
|
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