Pigeon is a common name for a bird in the family Columbidae and is one of the oldest domesticated bird species. The word "pigeon" is derived from the Latin Pipio, for a "peeping" chick, while the species as a whole are often referred to as Doves. Pigeons occur worldwide except in the polar regions. They have been kept by humans for over 5,000 years and were originally used for messenger purposes. Pigeons play an important role in many cultures and ecosystems. In some cities, they are even considered to be good luck! They have been bred for centuries for their meat and feathers.
Pigeons are commonly seen perched on buildings or scavenging for food in city streets. They are attracted to areas where there is a plentiful food supply and shelter from predators. Pigeons are primarily herbivorous, feeding on seeds, fruits and leaves but they will also eat insects and other small animals. Pigeons typically build their nests on ledges or in hollow trees. They mate for life and build nests together. Both parents take care of their young pigeons. These birds are known for their gentle nature and ability to coo, which has made them the popular bird. Pigeons are also used in racing as they can fly long distances at high speeds. They were so important to communicate that they were even mentioned in the "Bible". However, pigeons have been increasingly seen as pests in urban areas, where they roost on buildings and defecate on sidewalks.
Pigeon or Dove
Columbidae
25-30 cm in height, 32-37 cm in length and 64-72 cm wingspan
250-400 gm
3-15 years
The common name for the Pigeon is Dove or Pigeon and the scientific name for the pigeon is "Columbidae". This species is a member of the family Columbidae which also includes doves. This family contains several species of pigeon, each with its unique scientific name like the Common Pigeon or Rock Pigeon, also known as "Columba Livia". The scientific name for this species is derived from the Latin word Columba, meaning "dove" and the specific epithet Livia meaning "of Livia", a Roman Empress. They are monogamous breeders and both parents care for the young. Both male and female pigeons Coo to each other as part of their courtship ritual.
Pigeons are one of the most common birds in the world but there are still many things that people don’t know about them. Here are some amazing facts and features about pigeons:
Pigeons are interesting creatures and there is much to learn about their appearance and anatomy. Pigeons are small to medium-sized birds with compact rounded plump bodies covered in feathers that can be grey, brown or white and some species have colourful plumage. They have short necks, short-slender-strong hooked bills with a fleshy cere, small heads and densely feathered legs. Pigeons are known for their excellent eyesight and have two eyes that are located on the sides of their head which gives them a wide field of vision. They can see ultraviolet light which allows them to spot potential predators or prey from afar. Pigeons also have a very strong sense of smell which is unusual for birds. The plumage of pigeons is typically dull in colouration, although some species are brightly coloured and have a white rump. They are excellent flyers and they are known for their ability to navigate their way back to their home using landmarks and the sun. The legs are strong and have four toes each of which has a claw. Their tails are usually long, tapered, and pointed and tend to be square-shaped which they use for balance when they fly.
Pigeons have several anatomical features that help them to fly high. They have very strong wings and these wings are broad, rounded and pointed allowing them to fly long distances at high speeds of up to 55 miles per hour. Their bones are hollow which makes them lite enough to stay in the air. Pigeons also have special muscles in their breast that give them extra power when they flap their wings. They also have a special sac located on their beaks that allows them to store water for drinking. Pigeons have a distinctive cooing sound and are much more vocal. The average pigeon weighs about 250 to 400 kilograms. It has a wingspan of about 2.1 to 2.4 feet. They vary in size from about 25 to 30 cm in height and about 32 to 37 cm in length. Pigeons have a third eyelid. This clear eyelid protects their eyes from dirt and debris while they are flying. The typical lifespan of a pigeon is 3 to 5 years in the wild and 10 to 15 years in captivity. Males and females pigeons look very similar but the males tend to be slightly larger than the females.
Pigeons are found in a variety of habitats from rural areas to urban parks. They have adapted to live alongside humans. Pigeons are commonly found in rural farmland city streets and other open spaces, perching on ledges or roosting in trees. They are also known to nest in buildings, often taking up residence on rooftops. Pigeons occur naturally in woodlands, forests, grasslands and urban areas and are considered a nuisance. This adaptability stems from their wild ancestors who nested on ledges and crevices in the wild. Urban areas provide plentiful food sources—such as discarded scraps—as well as ample nesting sites that mimic these natural cliff-like environments. In agricultural landscapes, they frequently gather around farms where grains are abundant or near water sources for drinking.
Pigeons are one of the most common birds in the world. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. Pigeons are known for their ability to find their way home, even when released in a place they have never been before. They are one of the most common birds in North America but are not native. Pigeons were introduced to North America by European settlers in the early 1600s. They are also found in South America, Australia and New Zealand. Pigeons are descendants of the wild rock dove, which is native to Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia and also found in North America.
There are over 300 species of pigeons and doves known worldwide and two types of pigeons mainly across the globe, namely the domestic pigeons and the feral pigeons with several different subspecies. Here are some of the most common varieties:
Rock Pigeon (Rock Dove): They are also known as the City Pigeon or Common Pigeon, this is the most widespread type of pigeon in the world. It has a distinctive grey-blue body and iridescent feathers on its neck. The rock pigeon (Columba livia) is perhaps the most familiar subspecies of pigeon found today. They are often referred to as city or street pigeons since they can be found nesting on buildings and roosting on ledges and rooftops. Rock pigeons have a grey-blue coat with iridescent feathers at their necks which shimmer in sunlight. They typically feed on seeds, grains, and small insects while scavenging for food scraps from people.
Feral Pigeon: This is a domesticated variety that has gone wild and now lives in urban environments. They can be found all over the world and often live in large flocks.
Wood Pigeons: They are our largest and most common pigeons. They have small, round, grey heads, white neck patches, pink breasts, and greyish bodies.
Racing Pigeon: These birds are bred for their speed and endurance, and are used in competitions where they race against each other over long distances.
The Band-tailed Pigeon: This is a medium-sized bird of the Americas. Its closest relatives are the Chilean pigeon and the ring-tailed pigeon, which form a clade of Patagioenas with a terminal tail band and iridescent plumage on their necks.
Pigeons are gentle, plump, small-billed birds with a skin saddle (cere) between the bill and forehead. All pigeons strut about with a characteristic bobbing of the head. Because of their long wings and powerful flight muscles, they are strong, swift fliers. They are warm-blooded animals and their body is divided into head, neck, trunk, and tail. Their body is covered by feathers and their legs have scales. Fore limbs are modified into wings for flying and hind limbs are used for walking, perching etc. Pigeons thrive in flocks where they develop complex social structures and communicate through an impressive repertoire of coos and calls. Their ability to form strong pair bonds is another fascinating trait; many pigeon species mate for life and exhibit nurturing behaviours towards their young. Yet beyond these commonly recognized traits lies the surprising cognitive capacity displayed by urban pigeons when navigating intricate cityscapes or solving puzzles that challenge their intellect. These birds are equipped with remarkable navigation skills, enabling them to find their way home from distances exceeding 1,000 miles. This innate ability stems from a combination of geomagnetic orientation and a highly developed sense of smell, making them one of nature's premier navigators. Furthermore, studies have revealed that pigeons can recognize themselves in mirrors—a sign of self-awareness largely seen in more advanced species.
Pigeons, often seen fluttering around urban landscapes, have adapted remarkably well to human environments. While their most common habitats include city streets, parks, and rooftops of buildings, pigeons can also thrive in more natural settings like cliffs and rocky outcrops. Pigeons are one of the most common birds found on every continent except Antarctica. In Africa, Asia, Europe and North America pigeons can be found in large numbers.
Pigeons are omnivores. They are quite adept at finding food and will eat just about anything. Their diet consists mostly of seeds, fruits, berries and plant materials. However, they will also eat small insects and other invertebrates. In the wild, pigeons eat a variety of small reptiles and rodents such as lizards, snakes and mice. Even they have been known to eat other small birds! Pigeons will drink water regularly to stay hydrated. This diet helps to keep them healthy and well-nourished. Additionally, pigeons can find their prey using their keen sense of smell. This allows them to locate food even when it is hidden.
Pigeons are interesting creatures with unique behaviour and lifestyles. They are intelligent birds and they were once used to deliver messages to people. Pigeons have a strong sense of direction and they can find their way home from almost anywhere. Their foraging habits reflect their intelligence; they can quickly learn to locate food sources through observation and imitation of peers. Interestingly, studies have shown that pigeons exhibit signs of empathy and cooperative behaviours within their groups, suggesting they possess a level of emotional intelligence seldom attributed to avian species. For instance, they engage in intricate communication through cooing and body language, establishing a complex social hierarchy among flocks. They can distinguish between human faces and remember who they have interacted with in the past.
Pigeons are highly adaptable creatures that have seamlessly integrated into both rural and urban environments. They are very social creatures and they live in large flocks of up to 40 birds that offer protection from predators and facilitate foraging opportunities. Pigeons have a complex social hierarchy and communicate with each other using cooing sounds. They also use their body language and gestures to communicate with each other and convey messages about food availability or potential threats. When a pigeon meets another bird it will touch its beak to exchange information about each other. They exhibit strong pair bonding during mating seasons, with courtship rituals ranging from elaborate displays of fluffing feathers to synchronized movements in the air. Pigeons mate for life and are very devoted to their mates and offspring. They are known to build nests together in high places. Both the male and female pigeons help care for their young called "squabs". They typically have 2-3 offspring per year. Pigeons are often considered pests because of their dropping and noise.
Pigeons’ reproduction is a fascinating process that results in the birth of adorable baby pigeons, also known as squabs. They mate for life and reproduce anywhere from 2 to 6 times per year. The gestation period for a pigeon is 18 days and the female pigeon will lay 2 eggs per clutch. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs until they hatch. The eggs take approximately 17 days to hatch.
Once the babies are born, they are dependent on their parents for food and shelter. Baby pigeons are born blind, deaf and helpless. The parents will continue to care for their young until they are old enough to fend for themselves. Both parents take turns feeding the squabs "pigeon milk", a creamy substance produced in the crop of the parent birds. They grow quickly and fledge the nest within 6 to 8 weeks. The average litter size for pigeons is 2 but can range from 1-6.
The lifespan of a pigeon can vary dramatically depending on its environment and various lifestyle factors. In urban settings, where they often face hazards such as traffic, predation, and diseases, pigeons typically live only 3 to 5 years. However, when cared for in captivity or a more controlled environment—like lofts or sanctuaries—they can thrive well into their teens. Some domestic breeds have even reported lifespans exceeding 15 years.
These hardy survivors are quite fascinating and face many predators and threats. In urban areas, pigeons are commonly preyed upon by rats, cats and dogs. They are also preyed upon by a variety of predators including hawks, owls and snakes.
Pigeons are also threatened by humans who kill them for food and sports. They face several other threats including disease and habitat loss. Despite their threats, pigeons have managed to survive and even thrive in many areas of the world.
Today, there are about 350 to 400 million pigeons worldwide and are an estimated 22 million pigeons living in cities around the world. Pigeon populations are on the rise in cities around the world. The birds are pests to some and pests to others but their numbers continue to increase. For example in London, there is an estimated 150,000 pigeons. The number of pigeons in New York City is unknown but the bird is ubiquitous in the cityscape.
Pigeons have held historical importance to humans as food, pets, holy animals, and messengers.
Recognizing the importance of pigeons encourages a reframing of how we view wildlife resilience and adaptation amid human activity.
Pigeons, often overlooked in their allure, bring a unique charm to zoo environments. These urban birds can be observed strutting through the park-like habitats of zoos, embodying resilience and adaptability. Unlike the exotic creatures typically showcased behind glass and fences, pigeons thrive within the human-made landscape of a zoo, seamlessly blending into the bustling backdrop of visitors. Instead of simply being "filler" between thrilling jaguars or elephants, they remind us that every creature has its own fascinating story despite its commonality.
In cities around the world, pigeons have adapted to urban life while maintaining their quirky behaviours—a testament to survival skills in even the most chaotic settings. In a zoo where exotic animals capture the most attention, watching a pigeon pick at crumbs or coo softly can prompt deeper reflections on nature's coexistence with humanity. Furthermore, engaging with these unassuming birds sparks conversations about biodiversity and conservation efforts; after all, it’s essential to remember that even species deemed ordinary play pivotal roles in ecosystems.
In recent years, some zoos have embraced educational programs highlighting pigeons’ collective intelligence and social structures. With countless species facing extinction due to habitat loss and climate change, recognizing the significance of seemingly mundane creatures is crucial for fostering empathy towards animal preservation as a whole.
The classification of pigeons reveals a fascinating interplay between evolution and adaptation. Belonging to the family Columbidae, pigeons are not just a single species but comprise over 300 variations worldwide. While the rock pigeon serves as an urban ambassador across cities worldwide, the elegantly plumed Victoria-crowned pigeon found in urban settings and the Nicobar pigeon found in tropical ecosystems, each has its unique ecological niche and behavioural adaptations—evidence of mimicry at its finest in terms of survival strategy.
The evolutionary journey of pigeons is equally compelling. Genetic studies suggest that modern pigeons share a common lineage with ancient doves dating back approximately 60 million years, showcasing their resilience through numerous environmental shifts and habitat changes. Interestingly, genetic studies reveal that domestic pigeons are remarkably close relatives to their wild counterparts; this connection has profound implications for understanding human-induced selection processes. As we explore how these avians have evolved both naturally and through domestication—illustrated by distinct characteristics such as size variation or colour patterns—adaptation emerges as both a narrative of survival and a testament to the intricate interplay between nature and nurture in shaping today’s pigeons.
Pigeons, often dismissed as mere city nuisances, boast a surprisingly intricate relationship with humans that dates back thousands of years. These remarkable birds have not only adapted to urban landscapes but have also thrived within them, becoming an emblem of resilience. Unlike other wild species that tend to avoid human proximity, pigeons exhibit unparalleled comfort around people, which raises intriguing questions about our collective coexistence. This bond extends beyond mere survival; through domestication and utility, pigeons have served as messengers in wartime to beloved pets for many. The peculiar fascination we have with pigeons also extends into art and culture, they’ve inspired everything from poetry to public sculptures that celebrate their presence as symbols of freedom and peace, even culinary dishes worldwide. Furthermore, studies indicate that observing these birds can significantly reduce stress levels and enhance well-being—an unexpected benefit for city dwellers.
Interestingly, pigeons exhibit remarkable social intelligence; their ability to recognize faces and adapt behaviours based on previous human interactions challenges the long-held notion that they are merely pests. They also possess the ability to recognize themselves in mirrors—a trait once thought exclusive only to higher mammals. In parks and plazas worldwide, they engage with curious pedestrians seeking connection in brief encounters over crumbs. As naturally curious creatures, pigeons engage with their environment much like we do; they forage for food while navigating the streets in search of familiarity amidst chaos. Their presence serves as a subtle reminder that our urban ecosystems are shared habitats teeming with life that adapts alongside us rather than merely existing beside us—an invitation for further exploration into how other overlooked wildlife interacts within our bustling world.
The conservation status of pigeons varies significantly across different species because they are hunted for food, feathers and sport. The feathers are used to make pillows, quilts and other items. Their population are declining in some areas. The main reasons for this decline are habitat loss, pollution, climate change and hunting. The common rock pigeon, often seen as a ubiquitous urban resident, is classified as Least Concern due to its adaptability and successful breeding in human-altered environments. For instance, the Spotted Dove has seen population declines in specific regions due to agricultural expansion and fragmentation of their natural habitats.
Contrastingly, some less-known pigeon species are teetering on the brink of extinction. The Nicobar Pigeon, once widespread throughout Southeast Asia and Oceania, now grapples with rising sea levels and habitat destruction driven by climate change—a harsh reminder that even seemingly resilient birds are not immune to environmental shifts. Other pigeon species face critical threats from habitat loss and hunting. Some things can be done to help save these birds. Conservation efforts such as creating protected areas and regulating hunting can help reduce the threat to pigeons. Educating people about the importance of these birds can also go a long way in ensuring their survival.
However, efforts to conserve pigeons reveal fascinating layers of complexity. Urban environments can be both havens and hazards for these birds; initiatives to create green rooftops or bird-friendly architecture have shown promise in fostering supportive habitats amidst concrete jungles. In contrast, feral populations often carry zoonotic diseases that endanger both human populations and native wildlife alike.
Pigeons and Doves are both members of the bird family Columbidae but there are some differences between these two types of birds despite their similar appearance.