Jacobin pigeons are named after the Jacobin order of monks who date from 1100 and were known for their distinctive hooded habits. So the Jacobin pigeon has been bred to have a huge feathered collar that encompasses its tiny head. Developed over many years of selective breeding that originated in Asia, particularly India, Jacobins, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants of the rock pigeon (Columba livia).
