Domestic Pigeon

Overview

The Domestic Pigeon refers to Rock Doves (Columba livia) that have been bred in captivity for centuries, as well as the free-living, feral populations descended from escaped or released domestic birds. These feral pigeons are now found in nearly every major city in the world, forming one of the most widely recognized urban birds.

Appearance

Plumage is highly variable due to the mixed ancestry of feral flocks, ranging from the classic blue-grey form with two dark wing bars and an iridescent green-and-purple neck sheen, to all-white, black, brown, pied, and checkered variations. Body shape is stocky with a small head, short legs, and a fairly short, rounded tail.

Key Field Marks

• Plump body with a small head and short neck showing iridescent sheen in good light
• Highly variable plumage color, but many retain the ancestral blue-grey form with two black wing bars
• Fast, direct flight with audible wing claps on takeoff

Similar Species

Domestic and feral pigeons are essentially the same species as the wild Rock Dove, distinguished mainly by their tamer behavior around people and greater plumage variability. They can be told from the Wood Pigeon by their smaller size and lack of white neck and wing patches, and from doves such as the Eurasian Collared-Dove by their bulkier build and shorter tail.

Habitat and Range

Feral and domestic pigeons are found worldwide, especially in urban and suburban environments, agricultural land, and rocky or coastal areas resembling the cliffs used by their wild ancestors. They are non-migratory and typically remain in a home area year-round.

Distribution

Established on every continent except Antarctica, largely as a result of introductions tied to the spread of domesticated stock over the past several thousand years.

Behavior

Domestic pigeons are highly social, forming large flocks that feed, roost, and rest together, especially in urban plazas and parks where food is abundant. They are well known for a strong homing ability, a trait intensified through selective breeding in some lines.

Voice

Gives a soft, rolling "coo-roo-coo" call, along with softer contact coos exchanged between mates and flock members.

Nesting and Breeding

Pairs are monogamous and nest on ledges, building supports, and other flat, sheltered surfaces that mimic natural cliff ledges. They typically lay two white eggs per clutch and can breed multiple times per year, with both parents producing crop milk to feed the young.