Pigeons, often overlooked in our urban landscapes, are remarkably special creatures with a rich history and fascinating characteristics. Beyond their common presence, these birds possess incredible navigation abilities, can recognize themselves in mirrors, and have historically served as vital messengers. This article delves into the most common questions about pigeons, exploring their basic facts, historical significance, physical attributes, intelligence, and ecological roles.
Understanding Pigeons: Basic Facts and Characteristics
The common pigeon, scientifically known as Columba livia, is a bird belonging to the family Columbidae. Contrary to some assumptions, pigeons are not mammals; they are indeed birds. The global population of pigeons is substantial, with estimates reaching 400 million worldwide, and their numbers continue to grow, particularly in urbanized areas. For instance, New York City alone is estimated to have over a million pigeons. The largest pigeon species is the Crowned Pigeon of New Guinea, weighing over 2.5 kg. A group of pigeons is commonly referred to as a flock, or a kit when in flight. Female pigeons are called hens, while males are called cocks. A baby pigeon is known as a squab. The reason baby pigeons are seldom seen is that they remain in the nest until they are nearly fully grown and resemble their parents. Pigeons are attracted to light and shiny colors, with white being particularly appealing, though their attraction to colors can vary with context. The rarest pigeon color is the albino or true white, lacking pigmentation. Pigeon meat, known as squab, is considered a delicacy in countries like France, Egypt, and China, with young, tender squabs being the most consumed. Unlike chicken, pigeon meat, especially squab, can be eaten rare due to a lower likelihood of harboring pathogens like salmonella. While pigeon racing is legal in many places, it faces restrictions or bans in certain areas, including Chicago, New York City, and parts of Los Angeles County.
A Historical and Cultural Tapestry of Pigeons
Fossil records indicate that pigeons first appeared approximately 23 to 34 million years ago. Feral pigeons, descendants of domesticated rock pigeons, are found globally and have adapted exceptionally well to urban environments. While pinpointing the country with the most pigeons is difficult, Venice, Italy, is noted for its high pigeon density. The most expensive pigeon ever sold was a Belgian racing pigeon named New Kim, fetching a record $1.9 million in 2020. Pigeons are not native to North America; they were introduced in the early 1600s, with city buildings mimicking their ancestral cliff habitats. European settlers brought pigeons to America for communication and as a food source. During World War II, homing pigeons played a crucial role in communications for both Allied and Axis forces, with some receiving prestigious awards for their service. Messenger pigeons were historically real and vital for communication due to their remarkable homing ability. The British Expeditionary Force established a Carrier Pigeon Service during World War I to maintain frontline communications. Carrier pigeons have been used for millennia, with evidence suggesting their use by Mesopotamians and Egyptians as far back as 3000 BCE. Today, homing pigeons are still part of pigeon racing and are kept as pets, with their navigational skills remaining a subject of fascination. Spiritually, pigeons symbolize peace, love, grace, and gentleness, often seen as messengers from the divine.
Unveiling Pigeon Physical Characteristics
Pigeons exhibit a wide range of colors, including grey, white, black, blue, green, and brown. The sexes are nearly identical, though males tend to be larger with more neck iridescence. They possess plump bodies, short necks, slender bills, and a fleshy cere. Juveniles are similar to adults but with duller coloring and less iridescence. An adult pigeon measures about 30-35 cm in length with a wingspan of 62-72 cm, weighing approximately 300-400 grams. Pigeons have jaws with upper and lower mandibles that move vertically, and they do produce tears to keep their eyes lubricated.
Vision and Senses: A Pigeon’s Perspective
Pigeons possess excellent vision with a 340-degree field of view, allowing them to see nearly all around them. They can see for several miles and detect a wide spectrum of colors, including UV light, which aids in navigation and food finding. While they don’t have full 360-degree vision due to a small blind spot behind them, their eyesight is crucial for survival. Pigeons can see light and are sensitive to changes in its intensity. They distinguish between many colors, including those in the ultraviolet range invisible to humans. Like many birds, pigeons can have difficulty seeing glass, leading to window collisions. Remarkably, pigeons can see and recognize themselves in mirrors, indicating a degree of self-awareness. Red eyes in some pigeons are due to a lack of pigmentation or specific genetic traits.
Identifying Pigeon Gender and Age
Female pigeons are typically slightly smaller than males, with less pronounced features. While visual identification can be challenging, males often have wider necks and more prominent ceres. Behaviorally, males display more courtship rituals. Baby pigeons, or squabs, are born featherless with pink skin and closed eyes, completely reliant on their parents. Their age can be estimated by feather development and size; they develop down feathers by one week and are fully feathered by four to six weeks.
Pigeon Waste and Cleanliness Habits
Pigeon droppings consist of a dark solid part and a white liquid part due to uric acid. They defecate frequently, often every 15-30 minutes. Green droppings can result from a diet rich in greens and seeds or indicate bile.
Pigeon Nesting and Habitat Adaptations
Pigeon nests are simple structures made of twigs, leaves, and debris, typically found on building ledges or tree branches. A pigeon shelter is often called a loft. Pigeons are widespread due to their adaptability, association with humans, and suitability for various environments and nesting habits. They inhabit urban areas, farmyards, parks, and bridges, wherever food, water, and shelter are adequate. Pigeons sleep in secure, elevated areas like building ledges, eaves, cliffs, and rocky outcrops for protection from predators. While pigeons can survive without humans, their populations would decline significantly without the abundant food and nesting sites provided by urban environments. The rock dove (Columba livia), the wild ancestor of domestic pigeons, is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Domestic pigeons can live up to 15 years in captivity and often longer as pets with proper care, unlike their wild counterparts which seldom live more than 2-3 years due to predation, disease, and environmental stress. Most pigeon species are sedentary and do not migrate, remaining in their habitats year-round. In winter, they seek shelter in warm, protected areas.
Pigeon Feeding and Nutritional Needs
Pigeons require a diet high in carbohydrates and proteins, with adequate fats, vitamins A and D, and minerals like calcium. They eat grains and seeds such as corn, peas, and millet, and urban pigeons also consume crumbs, fruits, and vegetables. Small amounts of greens like spinach can also be fed, avoiding processed human foods and salty snacks. An average pigeon consumes about 30 grams of dry matter daily. While primarily granivorous, they are opportunistic omnivores. Baby pigeons, or squabs, consume nutrient-rich “crop milk” from their parents or a specialized replacer. Pigeon eggs are small, white, and similar in nutritional content to chicken eggs but richer in fats and cholesterol due to a higher yolk proportion. Cooked pigeon breast is a good source of lean protein.
Lifespan and Health of Pigeons
In urban settings, pigeons typically live only 2-3 years due to predation, disease, and environmental stressors, with annual mortality rates around 30%. The maximum lifespan under optimal conditions is around 2-3 years, with no evidence of pigeons living to 100. In captivity, they can live up to 15 years, and as pets, potentially 15-20 years with proper care. Sick pigeons often appear lethargic, have fluffed-up feathers, lack appetite, struggle to fly, and may exhibit unusual discharges or diarrhea. If a pigeon dies, it should be safely removed with gloves, and local authorities contacted for disposal, followed by thorough cleaning and disinfection of the area. While pigeons form strong pair bonds and are generally monogamous, a single pigeon can survive independently if it has adequate resources.
Pigeon Reproduction and Mating Behavior
Both male and female pigeons contribute to nest building, with the male collecting materials and the female arranging them. Pigeon eggs are white and measure about 3 cm by 2 cm. Females can reach sexual maturity around 7 months of age. Fertility can be checked through candling, and eggs typically hatch in about 18 days. Mating season peaks in spring and fall. The incubation period is approximately 18 days. Male pigeons cannot lay eggs, and while females can lay infertile eggs without a male, fertilization requires their presence. Pigeon chicks fledge (leave the nest) about 4 weeks after hatching. Pigeons are generally monogamous and may mate for life. They mate through a brief “cloacal kiss.” Pigeons usually lay 1-2 eggs per clutch and can lay up to 12 eggs annually until about 6 years old. Incubating pigeon eggs requires a specialized incubator maintaining specific temperature and humidity levels. Pigeons mate several times a year, especially during breeding season, and show nesting behaviors when preparing to lay eggs. They produce “crop milk,” a nutritious secretion, for their young.
Pigeon Behavior and Intelligence Insights
Pigeons are considered intelligent birds, capable of recognizing themselves in mirrors, learning complex tasks, and remembering long-range routes. Their cognitive abilities allow them to solve problems and recognize individual people and places. While they don’t have human-like IQs, their problem-solving and memory skills are notable. Pigeons and dogs possess different forms of intelligence; pigeons excel in navigation, while dogs are adept at social intelligence. Crows are generally considered more intelligent than pigeons due to their advanced problem-solving and tool-use abilities. A pigeon’s brain, about the size of a walnut, is relatively large for its body size, enabling complex behaviors. Pigeons possess excellent long-term memory, retaining information about routes and locations for years.
Pigeon Interaction and Social Behavior
Pigeons have adapted to living near humans and generally tolerate their presence, often seeking food and becoming quite friendly with those who care for them. They can form bonds with people who feed and interact with them regularly. Pigeons are not typically fearful of humans, especially in areas where they are fed, but will fly away if threatened. Pigeons can make good pets, being calm, easy to care for, and capable of forming bonds. They are kept as pets, for breeding, and for their homing abilities. Pigeons perceive humans as large, often non-threatening animals and can recognize individual humans, particularly those who provide food.
Physical Capabilities and Navigation Mastery
A pigeon can carry small items, typically up to 10% of its body weight. They possess nine air sacs for efficient respiration during flight. Pigeon fledglings usually begin flying around 4-6 weeks old. They can fly up to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) and cover up to 600 miles (965 km) in a single day under optimal conditions, typically flying at altitudes up to 6,000 feet (1,800 meters). Pigeons fly for several hours without stopping. They navigate using the sun, Earth’s magnetic field, visual landmarks, and potentially olfactory cues. Their ability to deliver messages relies on a combination of these factors. Training a carrier pigeon involves gradually increasing the distance from which it is released to fly home. Pigeons generally do not fly at night because their visual navigation relies on daylight. While they can fly in the rain, they prefer not to, and their flight efficiency may be reduced when wet. Pigeons use a sucking action to swallow water and can survive for about 48 hours without it. They do not sleep while flying.
Communication and Senses of Pigeons
Pigeons communicate through cooing, other vocalizations, and body language. They make various sounds, including coos and grunts. Pigeons have a good sense of hearing and can perceive sounds at lower frequencies than humans.
Daily Life and Care Requirements
Pigeons sleep, usually at night, using unihemispheric slow-wave sleep, allowing one brain hemisphere to rest while the other remains alert. They typically sleep around 10 hours daily. Pigeons sleep standing or sitting, often tucking their heads under their wings. They require about 1 ounce (30 ml) of water daily and can survive for about 48 hours without it. Pigeons can go without food for about a week, but this varies. They can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C) with adequate shelter and food. Pigeons dislike strong smells like vinegar, loud noises, and sudden movements. Bright, reflective colors like orange and yellow can deter them. While generally not aggressive, fights can occur over mates or food. Pigeons are often afraid of predators, loud noises, and sudden movements. They process visual information very quickly, aiding in detecting movement. Pigeons have excellent spatial memory and never forget learned routes and locations. They cannot learn to talk like parrots but communicate through coos and vocalizations.
Pigeon Health and Diseases
Pigeon diseases encompass various illnesses, including paramyxovirus, avian pox, and salmonellosis. “Pigeon fever” is a misnomer, primarily affecting horses. Pigeon droppings can carry spores, bacteria, and viruses, leading to diseases like psittacosis, cryptococcosis, and histoplasmosis in humans, particularly when dust from droppings is inhaled. The acidity in pigeon droppings can damage concrete and metal. Pigeon droppings are hazardous due to disease transmission, corrosiveness, and potential slip hazards. Pink plumage in pigeons usually results from environmental factors like dyes in food or water. Obese pigeons can fly, but their performance is impaired. Injured pigeons should be kept warm, quiet, and handled minimally, with immediate contact made with wildlife rehabilitators or vets. Touching pigeons is generally safe, but handwashing afterward is recommended. Severe window collisions can be fatal for pigeons. Lethargy, ruffled feathers, and lack of movement can indicate a pigeon is dying. Dead pigeons should be removed safely, and the area disinfected.
Understanding Pigeon Types and Species
Doves are generally smaller and slimmer with pointed tails, while pigeons are larger with rounded tails. White pigeons, or white doves, are less common than typical grey or blue pigeons in urban areas, often bred for ceremonial releases. Albino pigeons, characterized by a complete lack of pigmentation and red eyes, are extremely rare genetic mutations. Famous pigeons include Cher Ami and G.I. Joe, both homing pigeons recognized for their heroic service during wartime. The passenger pigeon is a notable extinct species, once numbering in the billions but driven to extinction by overhunting and habitat loss. The Maltese pigeon is a fancy breed known for its upright posture. Roller pigeons perform acrobatic backward somersaults in flight. The pink pigeon is an endangered species native to Mauritius. Rock pigeons are the wild ancestors of domesticated pigeons, known for their exceptional navigation. Victoria crowned pigeons are large and striking birds native to New Guinea. Homing pigeons possess an extraordinary ability to find their way home. Domestic pigeons are bred for various purposes, exhibiting diverse colors and patterns. Ice pigeons are known for their frosty blue-gray plumage. Nicobar pigeons are colorful birds native to Southeast Asia and are the closest living relatives to the extinct dodo. Feral pigeons are domesticated pigeons that have returned to the wild and adapted to urban life. Crested pigeons, native to Australia, are known for their distinctive crests and whistling wing sounds. Wood pigeons are large European and Asian pigeons preferring wooded areas. Passenger pigeons, once abundant in North America, went extinct due to overhunting and habitat destruction, with the last known individual, Martha, dying in 1914.
Pigeon Environmental Impact and Role
Pigeons have historically served as messengers and ecologically contribute to seed dispersal and the breakdown of organic materials. They are part of urban ecosystems, supporting local predators and contributing to biodiversity. Pigeons have numerous predators, including birds of prey like falcons and hawks, as well as mammals like cats, rats, and raccoons. The peregrine falcon is a significant urban predator of pigeons.
