News Genetics

Here’s why some pigeons do backflips

At least five genes are involved in making parlor roller pigeons do backward somersaults

A brownish-red roller pigeon does backward somersaults from left to right across a white background.

Parlor roller pigeons like this one have a movement disorder that prevents them from flying. At least five genes are involved in making the birds do backward somersaults, new research suggests.

Copyright Genetic Science Learning Center at the University of Utah

By Tina Hesman Saey

Atoosa Samani started learning about pigeon genetics at a young age.