Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Pigeon
Let us learn about the Bird that is feisty as they hunt during their flight but also are romantic singers.
Our second name reflects our blue plumage as Blue Rock Dove,
To keep this plumage parasite free, on dust we bathe and roll.
Pigeon, Rock Dove
Scientific Name– Columbia livia domestica
Size– 15cm – 75cm
‘Feral’ Pigeons are the same species but they are called Feral as they are habituated to the City, in the presence of Humans.
Distribution and Habitat-
Pigeons are seen everywhere except in the Saharan Desert. They are Terrestrial birds seen in Savannah, Grasslands, deserts, Temperate woodlands, Forests and also in Mangrove habitats.
Appearance –
All of us are aware that pigeons are grey. But the Green and purple sheen are due to iridescence. The effect in which different colours are reflected and visible in different angles. Pigeons have short legs and compact bodies with small heads and beaks. They are the strongest fliers among all the birds. The large wings give strength to wings to fly and there is less load on the wings.
Habit
Pigeons are found in large groups but also lead a solitary life. They roost at night. Dust-bathing in Dust and Water is common to get rid of all the parasites on feathers. They also Preen (cleaning feathers with a beak) themselves.
Pigeons have good ‘Homing’ abilities. They have best Navigation capability.
Diet-
Pigeons are Granivorous, they mostly prefer seeds and grains. They also hunt Earthworms, snails and other invertebrates.
Pigeons have the Gizzards which is a thick wall inside their stomach to grind food. The crop is part of the lower esophagus which is used for storing food before Digestion.
Reproduction –
Pigeons are Territorial in Breeding season. They are Monogamous birds, that stay with one partner for a long time. Male Pigeons perform wing displays for Females.
Nest is the accumulation of Grasses, Twigs, leaves, sticks, etc. Nest is built on Cliffs, Buildings, and Trees.
Both parents are responsible for nurturing the young.
The clutch size is 1-3 eggs. Young are fed by Crop milk. Crop milk is produced from the shedding of the Crop cells, crop is present in the oesophagus of a Pigeon.
Threats-
Pigeons are an Invasive species in India. Their number gets increased a lot in city areas. Although they are fed salty treats and meats by humans, that leads to dehydration and is very hard for them to Digest.
- Also See – Pheasant