Pigeons

Pigeons are one of the most common birds found in cities all over the world. They are a type of dove, and are also known as rock doves or rock pigeons. They are easily recognizable by their blue-gray plumage with a white rump and two black bars on their wings. Pigeons have been domesticated for centuries and are used for racing, homing, and as food.

Meta Information

Scientific Name

Columba livia

Average Lifespan

Wild pigeons typically live for 3-5 years, while domesticated pigeons can live for up to 15 years.

Average Size

Pigeons typically measure between 12-14 inches in length and weigh between 8-10 ounces.

Similar To

Doves, doves, quail, sandgrouse

Lifecyle

Pigeons breed throughout the year, usually producing two broods. The female pigeon lays two white eggs which she incubates for about 18 days. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after about 30 days.

Diet

Pigeons feed on a variety of foods including grains, seeds, fruits, and insects. In cities, they often feed on discarded food, such as french fries and popcorn.

Habitat

Pigeons are found in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, agricultural areas, and grasslands. They are also found in forests, deserts, and mountains.

What are pigeons?

Pigeons are birds that belong to the family Columbidae. They are found worldwide, with over 300 species of pigeons and doves. Pigeons are known for their plump body, small head, and short neck. They have a distinct cooing sound and are often considered a nuisance in urban areas.
What do pigeons eat?

Pigeons are omnivores and eat a variety of foods such as seeds, fruits, insects, and small animals. They are also known to scavenge for food in urban areas and eat human food waste. In some cases, people feed pigeons intentionally, which can lead to overpopulation and health concerns.
How long do pigeons live?

The lifespan of a pigeon varies depending on the species and their living conditions. Generally, pigeons can live up to 5 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity. However, urban pigeons tend to have shorter lifespans due to the risks associated with living in an urban environment, such as pollution and lack of food sources.
What is the difference between a pigeon and a dove?

Pigeons and doves are both members of the Columbidae family and share many similarities. However, there are some differences between them. Pigeons are usually larger and have plumper bodies than doves. Doves tend to have more pointed tails and are usually lighter in color. Additionally, pigeons are often considered urban pests, while doves are more commonly associated with peace and love.
Why do pigeons gather in large groups?

Pigeons are social animals and often gather in large flocks or groups. This behavior is known as flocking and is a natural instinct for pigeons. Flocking provides pigeons with protection from predators and allows them to share information about food sources and potential dangers. In urban areas, pigeons may also gather in large groups due to an abundance of food sources, such as garbage cans or parks.
Are pigeons harmful to humans?

Pigeons are not generally harmful to humans, but they can carry diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to humans. Additionally, pigeons produce a significant amount of droppings, which can cause health concerns when they accumulate in large quantities. Pigeon droppings contain bacteria and fungi that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. It is important to take precautions when cleaning up pigeon droppings and to avoid feeding pigeons to prevent overpopulation.
Can pigeons fly long distances?

Pigeons are known for their ability to navigate and fly long distances. They have been used throughout history as messenger birds and racing pigeons. Some species of pigeons are capable of flying over 500 miles in a single day. Pigeons use a variety of methods to navigate, including the earth's magnetic field, the position of the sun, and their sense of smell. Racing pigeons are trained to fly back to their home loft from long distances and can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.

10 Fun Facts About

1. Pigeons can fly up to speeds of 60 mph. 2. Pigeons can recognize individual humans and remember their faces. 3. Pigeons have been used to carry messages since ancient times. 4. Pigeons can find their way home from up to 1000 miles away. 5. Pigeons have a special pouch in their throat that they use to carry food back to their chicks. 6. Pigeons have a special organ in their beak that can detect magnetic fields. 7. Pigeons can recognize the difference between paintings by Monet and Picasso. 8. Pigeons have been trained to play simple video games. 9. Pigeons can recognize letters of the alphabet. 10. Pigeons can distinguish between spoken English and Japanese.