Biology of Pigeons
Appearance
The pigeon is one of the most commonly found birds in urban areas, with there being many species of pigeon, some as large as a turkey like the Crowned Pigeon of New Guinea, to others as small as a sparrow-like the New World ground dove. They tend to have short legs and small bills, with small heads on large, compact bodies. They vary greatly in color from species to species, with colors like white, yellow, brown, green, blue and red decorating their feathers, but the most common species is colored grey with black bands on its wings and tail, and a green hue on its neck.
Biology
It's hard to tell male and female pigeons apart since they do not exhibit significant color differences like peacocks or sparrows. There is a slight difference in their behaviors and the shape of their bodies (males are more energetic and have thicker necks and a more robust build), but using these differences to tell them apart is an unreliable method.
Nevertheless, pigeons mate for life (with mating taking place at any time of the year), and both parents actively take care of the young. The female lays 1-3 eggs at a time about nine weeks after mating, while the male guards the female and the eggs. When the young hatch, both parents feed them "pigeon milk," a semi-liquid substance produced in an adult pigeon's crop.
Lifecycle
After a baby pigeon is born, it stays in the care of its parents for only 4 to 6 weeks (during which the mother may lay another clutch of eggs), after which it leaves the nest to live on its own. Pigeons reach sexual maturity close to 7 months of age, after which they choose a mate for the rest of their life. Not the best homemakers, pigeons construct flimsy nests wherever they find space, where the female decides to lay its eggs. Pigeons may live up to 15 years in captivity, but the harsh environment and dangers of the wild often result in them living up to a shorter age.
Habitat
Unlike other birds, pigeons are one species that have benefitted from human activities, which is why they're present in such large numbers in cities and rural areas all over the world. They make their homes in any human-made structures they find space in, be they in buildings or on top of bridges.
Diet
Almost all species of pigeons have a diet consisting of seeds and fruits, with most of them only preferring one of the two. A small subset of the pigeon species, however, prefers to hunt for worms and insects for its primary food supply.
Behavior
Pigeons are normally docile birds, which has allowed people to keep them as pets for generations. They can also be trained to carry messages over long distances, as they have over the course of history. Pigeons are known to constantly bob their heads, which appears comical, but is an effort by the pigeon to keep its vision constant.
Also read our other bird tip:
How Did A Dead Pigeon In Attic Get There?