Pigeons of Iraq
Two pigeons bred for aerial acrobatics show off their impressive tail feathers. Pigeon breeding and bird shows are enjoying a resurgence in Iraq now that security has improved. (Raheem Salman / Los Angeles Times)
Thair abu Yousif pampers his brood, buying ice each day to cool the birds’ water and maintaining special housing for them. Some nights he lies awake, wondering how to find them perfect mates. This hobby is in my blood, says Abu Yousif. (Raheem Salman / Los Angeles Times)
Pigeons bred as show birds wait for their next meal at a coop in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. Breeder Thair abu Yousif specializes in roller pigeons, which are the most popular and the most expensive to acquire and keep. They require special diets to stay strong and healthy but light enough to fly gracefully. Like a runner, he must keep himself thin, says Abu Yousif. (Raheem Salman / Los Angeles Times)
Posters show popular breeds of pigeons. Under Saddam Hussein, the countrys closed borders made it a challenge for breeders to do business with those elsewhere. International sanctions and wars hurt the economy and hampered bird lovers efforts to support their hobbies and their families. Recently, though, times have been better for breeders. (Raheem Salman / Los Angeles Times)
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A roller pigeon, so called because of its ability to perform acrobatics in the air, takes to the sky in southern Iraq. During the winter, Iraqs roller pigeon specialists gather in the south for a competition. Dozens of breeders have their birds fly for a few minutes before a group of judges. Just as Olympic judges rate gymnasts for style, form and the difficulty of their maneuvers, the pigeon panel rates the competitors. (Raheem Salman / Los Angeles Times)
