Overview
This lecture covers the origins, characteristics, behaviors, and adaptations of the feral pigeon, including its relationship with humans and notable intelligence.
Origins & Domestication
- Feral pigeons descend from the wild Rock Dove but most today have domestic ancestors.
- Rock doves were first domesticated 5,000–10,000 years ago for meat, color, homing, and racing abilities.
- Domestic pigeons escaped or were lost, establishing wild urban populations.
Physical Characteristics
- Pigeons display a wide variety of colors: black, red, blue, gray, white, or combinations.
- Wingspan ranges from 63–70 cm, weight from 230–370 g; males are slightly larger but hard to sex visually.
Feeding & Adaptations
- Wild diet included seeds, grains, berries, and fruits.
- Urban pigeons often eat human food scraps, sometimes resulting in lost toes or feet due to entanglement in rubbish.
Breeding & Nesting
- Pigeons breed from 6 months old and males court females with displays and calls.
- Pairs usually mate for life, building flimsy nests on ledges, often even atop anti-bird spikes.
- Two eggs per clutch, hatch in 18–19 days; chicks (squabs) are fed crop milk by both parents.
- Chicks fledge in 24–30 days, look like adults when leaving the nest, and get fed up to 2 weeks after.
- Can nest year-round in cities, producing up to six clutches annually.
Intelligence & Lifespan
- Pigeons can recognize themselves in mirrors, identify letters, count up to nine, and have learned games.
- Average wild lifespan is 3–5 years; captive pigeons may live up to 24.5 years.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Feral pigeon — domesticated pigeons living in the wild, descended from escaped or released pets.
- Rock Dove — the wild ancestor species of domestic and feral pigeons.
- Crop milk — a nutrient-rich secretion from the parent’s crop, used to feed pigeon chicks.
- Squab — a young pigeon, still dependent on parental care.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the differences between feral and wood pigeons for next session.