UNITED ORIENTAL ROLLER ASSOCIATION

Standard of Perfection

ORIENTAL ROLLER PIGEON STANDARD OF PERFECTION

(Show standard) Revised 08/2009

Order of Importance:
The Oriental Roller is to be judged by an "order of importance".  General impression is of the utmost importance with proper body type and color being of very high regard.  In addition to the general impression and color, temperament is a characteristic not normally bred for in the show pen, but can be an important factor in the perception of the show bird.

General Impression:
The Oriental Roller is a bird of class and style, which shall have a striking appearance at first glance.  The key thing to keep in mind when judging Oriental Rollers is that balance reigns supreme and that their personality is a distinguishing characteristic.  The defining personality of the Oriental Roller is one of curiosity, high energy, independence, and playfulness. This personality can create some difficulty for the novice judge, but it shall not be discouraged during the judging process.  A competent Oriental Roller judge is able to get the poses he needs through patience and proper handling of the birds.  The show experience is just part of the wonderful adventure that is Oriental Roller keeping.

Head:
The head should have an oval sweep from back to front.  The front of the head shall rise abruptly from the base of the beak with considerable width (frontal). It should have good back skull, not dropping off too sharply, but curving continuously back, blending well into the neck.  The top of the head should not be too round or flat, but continuing the oval sweep.

Beak:
The beak shall be of proportionate length, with a strong and stout base.   The angle of the beak setting shall be slightly down-faced, approximately at a 30 degree angle.  The color of the beak shall be a clear ivory in all colors, with a dark strip at the peak of the upper mandible permissible. Variegated beak acceptable in sprinkles.

Eyes:
The eye should appear to be slightly forward of the center of the head.  Wealth of feather in back skull and neck gives this appearance. The eye should be pearl.  Bull eyes are acceptable in whites.  The eyes should show an alert, intelligent expression. The eye ceres (orbital rings) should be fine and light colored.  They should be smooth in texture.

Neck:
The neck starts just below the beak and continues to the top of the shoulders.  The neck shall gradually enlarge from top to bottom, creating a stout, powerful appearance.  The neck shall not create a break in the flow head to shoulders, instead maintaining the sleek look of the pigeon; the length of the neck shall be in proportion with the rest of the bird.

Body:
The body shall be medium in size, though it is more desirable that all features be in proportion, than some absolute size is achieved.  The weight of the pigeon shall range from 9-13 ounces for hens, and 12-16 ounces for cocks.  When viewed from the top, the body shall have a wedge shape to it. This wedge shape is created by broad shoulders which gradually taper to the base of the tail. The back shall be short and concave, giving the bird a hollow back appearance. The rump shall have enough width and strength to support the tail and maintain the smooth flow of the pigeon.  When viewed from the side, underbody shall continue from the chest, flowing below the wing line, and into the rump area.  From the front, you shall see a broad chest which conveys strength, and hides all evidence of the wing butts.  The keel shall be full and muscular, continuing well into the vent.

Back:
The back should be broad and blend into the width of the tail.  The back is short and the tail is held away from the wings and the ground.  Viewing the bird from the side there should be a sweep from the head down, and continuing out to the tip of the tail. This gives the bird a concave appearance.

Wings:
The wings are carried below the tail.  They should blend well into the body with no protruding wing butts. The flights are carried slightly off the ground and not crossed.

Tail:
The tail is somewhat long and should be carried slightly elevated, contributing to the sweeping appearance of the bird. Tail elevation should be approximately from top of shoulders to halfway up neck.  There should be at least 13 tail feathers with no more than 22.  The width of the tail at rest should be the same width as the shoulders.  The feathers should be layered to form an arch, or stepped effect.  There should be no oil gland.  The split tail feather is permissible, but not preferred.

Legs:
Medium in length.  Set apart to give good balance and free from grousing.

Feather/Condition:
The feathers shall be hard, close fitting, and full of a rich sheen, giving them a sleek appearance.  The feathers shall be free of any sign of parasites, soil, fraying, breakage or bending.  

Color:
All colors should be bold, not showing washing out or dirtiness. Colors specifically bred for will be given higher merit than other colors typically known as A.O.C.

Faults:
Poor color; out of condition; presence of lice or mite holes. Crossed flights, exposed wing butts, dark or stained beaks (variegated beak acceptable in sprinkles), long or spindly beaks and cobbiness.

Disqualifications:
The presence of parasites or any illness.  Wings carried on the tail.  The presence of an oil gland.  Less than 13 tail feathers.  More than 22 tail feathers.  Odd or blind eyes.  Deformity.

Color Classes:
Black, Dun, Red, Yellow, Bar, Check, Almond, Sprinkle, DeRoy, Grizzle, White, T-Pattern(no bronze), Ash,  Cream, Andalusian, Opal, Kite(t-pattern with bronze), Buff/Tuff, Genetic class, and A.O.C.