7. Weight A cock weighs from 14 to 17 ounces; a hen, from 13 to 16 ounces. 8. Plumage Rich, abundant, and soft plumage should cover the entire body. The color itself is of no importance, but rich shades, with the checkered pattern (if present) standing out brightly and distinctly, usually indicate good health and satisfactory condition. For classification of pigeons according to color see paragraph 26. 9. Head The head should be of a medium size, round or oval shaped, of broad structure and strongly set. It should not be tight or drawn at any one place. _a._ BILL. The bill should be of medium length with small to medium wattles and set well into the head. No openings should be noticeable when the bill is closed. _b._ EYE. See section VI. _c._ EAR. The ear seems to play an important part in the bird’s sense of direction. It includes three parts: external ear, middle ear, and inner ear. At the top of the inner ear there are three semicircular canals which appear to be the nerve conductors of orientation. Although no one knows just what helps homing pigeons find their loft, it is possible that the great sensitiveness of their ears enables them to receive magnetic and atmospheric impression, and thereby to determine direction either at departure or during flight. This theory is based on the fact that atmospheric disturbances often cause the bird temporarily to lose its way. 10. Neck The neck is of medium length, with no sign of dewlap at the throat. It tapers to a wide, well-sprung chest. 11. Body _a._ BREAST. The breast (or chest) is broad and full in front; depth of breastbone should not exceed the width. _b._ SHOULDERS. The shoulders are heavy and strongly reinforced with muscles. _c._ BACK. The back is well-feathered, strong, flat and broad at the shoulders, narrowing toward the rump. [Illustration: _Figure 1. Parts of homing pigeon._ TL70171] _d._ KEEL. The keel is strong, arched in front, and of medium length and depth. Width of keel denotes strength. _e._ ABDOMEN. The abdomen is reduced to the smallest proportions. _f._ WINGS. The wings must be medium-sized, strong, well-proportioned, and rounded at the butt, with plenty of muscle. Primary flights should be of a good width, with plenty of overlapping space and a pronounced curvature towards the body. See _i_ below. Secondary feathers should also be long and wide to provide a good covering for the entire back. Covert feathers should be sturdy and abundant, because they supply additional wing strength, as well as protect pigeons against adverse weather. _g._ PELVIC BONES. The pelvic bones (or vent bones) are very firm, close together over the vent, and extend toward the keel on each side of the vent. These bones form a body girdle by which the legs are joined to the body. _h._ RUMP. The rump is wide and continues the line of the back. It is well covered on all sides with fine, soft feathers.