Hobbies And Interests
Origination
Tony Chavarria became interested in the hobby of roller pigeons during the '70s and '80s. It would not be until 1993 that he would start breeding his own Birmingham roller pigeons, developing the strain called ruby rollers. This grouping starts with the foundation cock bird, "903," which could roll in the air for about 20 to 30 feet.
Size
A Birmingham roller does not have a size standard according to club rules; however, the roller is smaller in size than most pigeons. Their pedigree or lineage determines if a bird is a roller pigeon, and birds come with documentation as to their family lines. Tony Chavarria started his ruby rollers with one bird that can be documented as the sire for ruby rollers across the nation.
Flight Pattern
The roller pigeon flies into the sky like other pigeons do, but then it does a special maneuver. They do somersaults as they come down to the ground. Chavarria breeds his ruby rollers with five primary traits in mind: roll, velocity, depth, control and type. He states that with proper management birds can perform 1/4-, 1/2- and 3/4-turns as they are flying.
Competitions
One bird flying in the rolling manner is an amazing sight. At competitions, ruby rollers and other roller pigeons fly together in their own separate groups, which are called a "kit." Competitions are held throughout the United States and the world. From May through July, the regional portion of the World Cup Fly takes place as competitors set their birds to fly and roll. The regional competitions start in the state of Arizona and end in Australia.