The Fantails are a popular breed of fancy pigeon. It is characterized by a fan-shaped tail composed of 30 to 40 feathers, abnormally more than most members of the pigeon family, which usually have 12 to 14 feathers. There are several sub-varieties, such as the English Fantail, the Indian Fantail, and the Thai Fantail. Fantails are often used by pigeon flyers in the training of racing pigeons and Tipplers. They are used as droppers in that they are placed on the loft landing board as a signal to the flying birds to come in and be fed.