The Modena

Red Check Schietti Modena

The Modena was originally used for kit flying. It originated in Italy in the town of, what else, Modena during the 1300s. In 1328 there was an statue in Modena, detailing the competition flying rules, for this breed. The breed was imported into Germany in 1876 and shortly thereafter into England and the States.

The Modena has changed considerably over the years and is now strictly a show pigeon. The English/American variety even varies considerably from the German variety and appear to be getting increasingly bulky. Modern Modenas are subdivided into three groupings according to markings in Europe and two in the United States:

Blue bar Gazzi Modena

Gazzi

The Gazzi's head, wings, and tail are colored, while all the other parts of the bird remain white.

Almond Schietti Modena

Schietti

The Schietti are what is called "self colored", meaning they are of one basic color with no white parts.

Argent Schietti Modena Argent Schietti

The third variety recognized in Europe is called the Magnani. In the United States the Magnani is considered a separate color class for either the Schietti or Gazzi rather than a unique variety in its own right. The Magnani variety is multi-colored over all of its body. Another color variety, the Argent is considered a color class and can be found in both the Schietti and Gazzi. This pigeon is quite striking and is referred to in the pigeon fancy as Toy Stencil.

Every year the US National Pigeon Association (NPA) sponsors a competitive show.  The location varies from year to year, but regardless of the location, breeders from all over the country and beyond compete for top honors.