pigeon

Description:

Latin Name: Columba livia (‘dove’ or ‘bird of leaden or blue-grey colour’). Common Names: Pigeon, dove, blue rock pigeon, rock dove, wild rock pigeon, rock pigeon, feral pigeon. Derivation: The word ‘pigeon’ is derived from the Latin word ‘pipio’, meaning ‘young cheeping bird’. The word ‘dove’ is of Norse origin and first appeared in the 14th century as ‘dova’ or ‘douve’. Varieties: 350 recorded varieties. Most Common: Feral Pigeon - 10-15 million in Europe. Origin: Europe, North Africa and Asia. Habitat: The wild pigeon is found in coastal areas and the feral pigeon is found almost exclusively in areas of human habitation. Distribution: Worldwide except Sahara Desert, Antarctica and the high Arctic. European population estimated at between 17 and 28 million birds 32-37 cm long 64-72 cm wingspan Dark bluish-grey head, neck and chest with glossy greenish and reddish-purple iridescence around the neck and wing feathers Orange or red iris with pale inner ring (adult) or brown or greyish brown (juveniles) Black bill with off-white cere Red feet and legs Distinctive twin black wing bars White lower back feathers. Concerning the symbiotic relationship which exist between our racing pigeons and the protozoa, bacteria, and fungi which reside within the birds, the normal relationship is either commensal or mutualistic, and the normal effect of these microorganisms (protozoa, bacteria, and fungi) on the host (the racing pigeon) is to provide important services which enhance the overall health of the bird's ecology.

Habitat:

The wild pigeon is found in coastal areas and the feral pigeon is found almost exclusively in areas of human habitation.

Notes:

Pigeons are incredibly complex and intelligent animals. They are one of only a small number of species to pass the ‘mirror test’ – a test of self recognition. They can also recognise each letter of the human alphabet, differentiate between photographs, and even distinguish different humans within a photograph.