Pigeon
About The Pigeon
The Pigeon or Rock Dove, first brought into Northern America in the 1600s, can be quite common in urban locations all around the world. Rocky mountain cliffs are the wild Pigeons’ natural habitat, while tall buildings and windowsills in the city may suffice for the urban dwelling Pigeon. The Pigeon is a large bird measuring at 11 to 14 inches in length. Wild birds are an overall gray color, while domesticated types vary in color due to breeding experimentation by urbanites. The Pigeon’s tail has a dark tip, while the wings are light gray with two thick black stripes.
The Pigeon Nesting Preferences
Building a Birdhouse For The Pigeon
In the city, most Pigeons nestle on just about any flat surface that even just a window ledge can attract them to a certain area. A platform can still be useful for attracting the species. The base of the platform is about 8 inches x 8 inches, the ceiling height at 8 inches. The front should be open, and the sides partly open. The platform should be placed near or adjacent to a wall at a height between 7 to 14 feet.
The Pigeon Mating Habits
Pigeons are monogamous, as mated pairs typically breed in successive seasons throughout their lives. A majority of the pairs will try to bring up about four to five broods every year.
The Pigeon Feeding Preferences
Pigeons are ground foragers that also occasionally look for food in trees. Those that inhabit farm areas feed mainly on grain and seeds while the city-dwellers pigeons often have food humans eat, like bread, crackers, and popcorn, along with whatever seed or grain they manage to find. Invertebrates may also be part of their diet.
Interesting Pigeon Facts
Pigeons may not make sturdy nests at the onset of its breeding stage, but old nests are added onto every time a new brood is to arrive. Dirt and feces left on the nest eventually make the nest seem like a durable pot that gets bigger with every brood parent pigeons try to raise. The Pigeon’s scientific name is Columba livia, and it’s of the order Columbiformes and family Columbidae.
Readers Comments
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Dawn Hope Morelly 3/26/2008)
Oh, delightful. They face of this pleasently plump animal just makes me squerm, but its little walk has such gait I cant help but favor it! ♥
Elaine Shepherd 5/25/2016)
Can anyone tell me why two pigeons, one grey and the other a cream/brown mottled colouring, both took a turn on mounting each other? Is this common practice or is it the same as humans where same sex are attracted?
gaurav lalchandani 5/25/2016)
thank you