123pest.com
Beta
Rock Pigeon
(Columba livia) - Worldwide
Photo by
Elsemargriet
Overview
Biology
Lifecycle: Rock Pigeons reproduce throughout the year. They can lay multiple clutches of eggs, each containing 1 to 2 eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the young.
Behavior: These pigeons are often seen foraging on the ground or perched on ledges and buildings. They have a cooing call that is distinctive and used for communication.
Urban Adaptation: Rock Pigeons have adapted well to urban environments and are often seen in cities around the world, perching on buildings, bridges, and other structures.
Food
Diet: Rock Pigeons are primarily granivorous, meaning they primarily feed on seeds and grains. They are also known to consume crumbs, discarded food, and small fruits when available.
Foraging: They forage on the ground, often in parks and public spaces, and they are well-known for scavenging in urban areas where human food sources are plentiful.
The Rock Pigeon, also known as the common pigeon, rock dove, or street pigeon, is a familiar and adaptable bird species found in urban and rural environments around the world. It's well-known for its ability to thrive in human-altered landscapes.
Description
Size: Rock Pigeons are medium-sized birds, typically measuring about 29 to 37 cm (11 to 15 inches) in length with a wingspan of 50 to 68 cm (20 to 27 inches).
Appearance: They have a sturdy build with a grayish-blue body, a slightly iridescent neck, and two black bands on their wings. Their distinctive feature is a small, iridescent green or purple patch of feathers at the base of their neck, called the "nape."
Habitat
Rock Pigeons can be found in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, rural environments, cliffs, and coastal regions.
Nesting: They often nest in the eaves of buildings, on ledges, and in other sheltered locations. They have a strong homing instinct and are sometimes kept as homing pigeons or racing pigeons due to this trait.
