Poultry
King Pigeon
S tier
King is a large American utility pigeon developed for squab production, with broad breast and heavy young carcasses that please chefs wanting generous portions. Meat is dark, fine, and rich—the industrial-gourmet standard of many US squab farms. Roast whole or remove breasts for pan work; size can exceed smaller fancy breeds substantially. When a menu says squab without breed, King genetics are often behind the plate.
Also known as: King, White King squab
Track this ingredient
Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
FreshHigh HeatPan BreastRestaurant PortionWhole Roast Squab
Traits
Broad BreastCommercial GourmetGenerous BreastLarge UtilityProduction StandardRich DarkSquab BreedTender Young
History
US
American breeders developed King pigeons for meat utility and show.
US
Kings became central to commercial squab farming.
US
White Kings dominated US squab production systems.
US
King-type birds remained the backbone of American squab supply.