Indian Fantail

Lore & Background

The Indian Fantail was described by the poet of Akbar's court, Abu’l-Fazl, in 1590. It is larger than the English Fantail pigeon and has foot feathers and crests. The breed stands upright, unlike the English Fantail, whose chest is carried higher than its head. Indian Fantails are most commonly white with light tan spots, though breeders have introduced more colors. They walk on their toes.

Reader's Guide

The Indian Fantail is significant as a distinct breed of fancy pigeon, noted for its upright posture and fan-shaped tail. Its description in 1590 by Abu’l-Fazl provides early historical documentation. The breed's development through selective breeding illustrates human influence on avian traits. In recent years, a larger variety called the American Fantail has been developed in Pakistan, though most Fantail clubs do not recognize it as a separate breed and consider it an oversized Indian Fantail. The name 'American Fantail' is used for the modern American variant of English Fantail in most countries outside Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. The Indian Fantail's legacy includes its role in pigeon fancying and its continued breeding for show and exhibition.

Did You Know?

• Indian Fantails usually lay 2 eggs in a clutch.
• A new variety developed in Pakistan, named American Fantail, is considered an oversized Indian Fantail by most clubs.