Patterns

In domestic Pigeons there are 5 patterns.  In order of dominance they are Spread, T-Pattern Check (T-Check), Check, Bar, and Barless.  All Pigeons, regardless of their color or modifier are one of these patterns.   Spread is not only the most dominant pattern, but is also a masking pattern, which means it can "Mask" or cover up any other pattern.  Spread is the only pattern that can mask other patterns.

 

Spread
march2a.jpg (28283 bytes)
Spread Blue (Black)		 8215.jpg (33513 bytes)   lavender.JPG (48366 bytes)
Two examples of Spread Ash Red.  Ash Red produces the widest variation of Spread among the three basic colors.  Usually the best indicator of Spread on Ash Red is the lack of bars or a distinct check pattern.		 sprbrown.JPG (39202 bytes)
Spread Brown
T-Pattern Check
asr941.jpg (28018 bytes)
T-Check Ash Red, sometimes called Red Velvet.  Ash Red T-Checks are always different from Recessive Red in that Ash Reds will always show a light gray to near-white tail and flights except in very rare exceptions.		 sh5.jpg (33456 bytes)
T-Check Blue, sometimes called Black velvet.  T-Check will almost always be so dark they will not show any distinct Check pattern in the wings.		 krol_1black.JPG (11236 bytes)
T-Check Blue.  This bird looks Black, but is really T-Check.  If you question the pattern on Blues, remember T-Checks will always show a tail bar where Blacks will not.
Check
gad_1553.jpg (27473 bytes)
Blue Check		 sh4.jpg (32625 bytes)
Ash Red Check		 rh1.jpg (37596 bytes)
Brown Check
Bar
gad_gail5.jpg (53284 bytes)
Ash Red Bar		 gad_miami.jpg (32898 bytes)
This bird is technically a Spread bird, but the underlying Bar pattern is showing through.		 gad_313.jpg (28366 bytes)
Blue Bar
Barless
  barless.JPG (20448 bytes)
Barless Blue		  

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