Indian Fantail Pigeon with Peak Crest (IMAGE) University of Utah Caption An Indian fantail -- one of 350 rock pigeon breeds -- displays a type of head crest known as a peak crest. Researchers from the University of Utah and from China, Denmark and Texas identified a single gene that, when mutated, apparently causes head crests to form in numerous pigeon breeds. It was part of a project that decoded the genetic blueprint of the rock pigeon, among Earth’s most common and diverse bird species. Credit Michael D. Shapiro, University of Utah. Usage Restrictions Credit required. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.