Performances of Oriental Rollers. 
195 
twenty-two feathers, sixteen being about the average number in these birds ; these are arranged 
equally on either side, one above another, and the two top ones, diverging a little outwards, show 
a slight division in the tail, but there is not the slightest affinity or resemblance to a ‘ fan ’ tail, as 
some might suppose by the excessive number of feathers, but it is a distinct peculiarity of this 
breed (twelve being the normal number of tail-quills in most pigeons). The greater the number 
of quills in ‘ Oriental Rollers ’ the more the specimens are valued. A further singular feature 
noticeable in the tails of these birds is, that occasionally two feathers may be found growing from 
one quill, separating at its pithy junction as a twin feather, each rather narrower than ordinarily, 
but of the usual length, and not outgrown, or causing a disordered formation of the tail. 
“ The foregoing simple description of the breed, together with the accompanying cut, will 
perhaps convey an idea of these comparatively unknown yet very interesting pigeons ; therefore 
I will now just give a brief description of their exploits upon the wing. One pair of Oriental 
Rollers only are usually kept amongst a number of other breeds, but the flock should be regularly 
flown. No matter what kind, so that they are chosen from birds that will fly ; those that fly 
compactly and steadily are, perhaps, the best, but few fanciers care to keep a large number of 
birds in order solely to witness the exploits of one pair of birds ; the flocks are consequently often 
of a varied composition. But this matters little, for whatever the sorts may be, they are not 
associates, for Oriental Rollers do not care so much about the close companionship of other 
pigeons, even of the same loft or pen, and never mix with them or any others when flying. On 
liberating the entire flock, the common habit of pigeons that are regularly flown is to gradually 
commence their upward journey in a circular manner, until the highest altitude is attained ; but 
not so the subject of these notes. They will probably first find the highest point of their own or 
a neighbouring habitation, and for a few moments perch thereon, and from this place they bolt 
in a straight line, just in a similar manner as would a good Homer, with his destination in view, 
and for a time those unaccustomed to their ways would be inclined to say, ‘ Good-bye 1 Farewell, 
Orientals !’ ‘All is lost now !’ &c. &c. But it is not so. Those who know them best know full 
well ‘ their little game,’ and contentedly await the interval. Sometimes a little town is passed 
over, but usually about from five to fifteen minutes elapse between the bolt and their reappearance 
mountains high, ah ! and yet mounting, at which time they appear more in the fashion of 
‘ Rollers,’ but still avoiding the flock entirely until the highest point is reached ; then, recognising 
their own loft companions by assuming an exalted position directly above them, they follow over 
them wherever they go ; and now, at this stupendous height, the fun begins. Not that there have 
not been a few paroxysms already, but it is simplicity itself in comparison to what complete 
revolutions are passed through when the maximum height is attained. They then fly gently and 
easily, not in circles, but hither and thither, with a slight jerking appearance, and now and again 
whizzing over and over with great velocity, until they descend to the common flock beneath, then 
up again they mount, after each of these remarkable feats the pair of them seeming to be trying 
to outvie each other, for they really seem each time to regain their position as it were to make 
further efforts to do something on a still more extended scale ; and this is the way these birds can 
comfortably pass two or three hours in the realms of space. Like some of our British ‘ top 
sawyers,’ so it is with the Orientals ; the best bit occurs at or shortly before the drop-scene. When 
tired of the upper regions, and, hungry, they are ‘ homeward bound,’ they then, with extended 
wings — like a hawk over a mouse — appear to gauge the distance between them and home, and 
then down, down they come like a falling ring, with a series of rolls, more elaborate, if possible, 
than before, until at length terra firma is regained. 
“ Such are a few facts concerning these birds ; but I should mention that they possess the 
