Pigeon
Pigeon Facts
| Size | 12-13.5 inches (31-34 cm) |
| Speed | Up to 50 mph (80 km/h) |
| Weight | 10-14 oz (300-400 g) |
| Lifespan | Up to 35 years |
| Food | Grains, seeds |
| Predators | Falcons, Hawks, Buzzards, Domestic Cats |
| Habitat | Worldwide (except Polar Regions) |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Scientific name | Columbidae |
| Characteristics | A bird that lives in the city often moves along the ground |
Main Characteristics
The city pigeon is one of the most common pigeons. It primarily resides in urban areas and is often spotted on streets and squares. This is why it is also referred to as the street pigeon. It is the feral version of the domestic or homing pigeon. Unfortunately, city pigeons are not very popular, yet they are remarkably intelligent, can solve puzzles, have a good memory, dream (!), enjoy playing, and are also selfless.
Species
When we think of pigeons, we usually picture a city pigeon. However, the pigeon family is surprisingly large. There are over 300 species. Many of them are very colorful, have vibrant patterns, and some even sport striking head feathers. Most of them live in South Asia and Australia. In the USA, the rock pigeon, mourning dove, Eurasian collared-dove, white-winged dove, and inca dove are the most frequently seen. In Central Europe, there are five species: city pigeon, wood pigeon, turtle dove, stock dove, and rock dove.
Distribution and Habitat
The natural habitat of city pigeons is actually rocky landscapes and cliffs. After all, they originally descended from the rock pigeon. They thrive in cities because the streets, buildings, roofs, and bridges resemble their natural environment.
Anatomy and Appearance
Size and Weight
City pigeons measure 12-13 inches (31-34 cm) in length and weigh between 10-14 ounces (300-400 grams).
Gray Plumage
City pigeons are often white, light gray, or dark gray with black waves or stripes on their wing and tail feathers. Around their neck, they often have shimmering green and purple feathers. There are also city pigeons that have more brown plumage.
Short Beak
City pigeons have a short, straight beak.
Pink Feet
City pigeons have pink feet. They have four toes. Three point forward and one points backward. Unfortunately, they often get their toes caught in fine strings (fishing lines, sewing threads, packaging ribbons, hair). If you see a limping pigeon with such strings around its toes, you should carefully catch it, place it in a box with air holes, and take it to the pigeon club. The animals suffer from great pain and can lose their toes.
Diet
City pigeons are herbivores. They primarily feed on grains and seeds. Occasionally, they also eat insects, snails, and worms. Although the city resembles their natural habitat, there is often not enough food available. Therefore, they frequently fly to the rural outskirts to search for food.
Behavior
How Pigeons Eat
Pigeons often move around on foot, as they mainly find their food on the ground. Unlike many other birds, they cannot remove the outer shell of seeds and grains. Instead, they swallow them whole. In their stomachs, the seeds are softened and ground up with the help of small stones - which they also swallow.
How Pigeons Drink
To drink, most birds dip their beaks into the water and tilt their heads back so that the water flows down their throats. They do not have the muscle to swallow like humans do. Pigeons, however, are different. They use their beaks like a straw and can suck up water through it.
Senses and Abilities
Sense of Sight
Pigeons have excellent eyesight, capable of seeing up to 22 miles (35 km) away – provided there are no clouds in the way, of course. They can perceive all the colors that humans can, plus they can also see ultraviolet light.
Flying Speed and Distance
Homers can fly at speeds of up to 74 mph (120 km/h) and cover distances of 620 miles (1,000 km). They are specifically bred and trained to navigate their way back home.
Magnetic Sense
How do homing pigeons find their way home, especially over long distances through unfamiliar areas? They possess a magnetic sense and navigate using the Earth's magnetic fields.
Intelligence
Are pigeons intelligent? That's a great question! After all, most people assume that pigeons aren't particularly smart. Interestingly, they are remarkably clever:
Memory
Pigeons can remember up to 725 patterns for years. They can even recognize a specific person in photos, even if that person is dressed differently.
Multitasking
Additionally, pigeons excel at multitasking. This means they can quickly switch between different tasks or puzzles, even faster than humans.
Gambling
Who would have thought? Pigeons enjoy gambling! Even when they might lose their bet (like food). The ability to understand what a bet is and how it works has only been observed in a few animal species, such as primates and dolphins.
Understanding of Time and Space
Pigeons also have a similar understanding of time and space as chimpanzees.
Dreams
While sleeping, pigeons dream of flying and process their emotions during this time.
Selflessness
Flock or herd animals always seek the protective center of the group when a predator approaches. Naturally, this is bad for those animals on the edge of the group, as they are more easily targeted. However, pigeons behave differently. When attacked in the air, they work together, ensuring that everyone has the same chance of survival.
Life Expectancy
City pigeons typically live for about 3 to 5 years.
Enemies and Threats
Natural Enemies
In the air, their main predators include falcons, hawks, buzzards, and owls. On the ground, weakened, old, or young pigeons fall prey to domestic cats, martens, foxes, rats, and raccoons.
Human Impact
City pigeons are often seen as a nuisance due to the droppings they leave on cars and buildings. To deter them, spikes are installed on roofs and ledges, nets or wires are stretched, and artificial birds of prey are set up or hung. It's important to remember that city pigeons are feral descendants of domesticated pigeons – they evolved from birds that we selectively bred. Ultimately, we bear the responsibility for the existence of city pigeons.
Life in the City
City pigeons are the wild form of pigeons that originally inhabit rocky landscapes and cliffs. They thrive in urban areas because these environments closely resemble their natural habitats. However, this comes with many drawbacks: they often struggle to find enough food in cities and can die from contaminated water, toxic or spoiled food, and waste. Additionally, many are killed in traffic as they get hit by cars.
How to Help Pigeons
Feeding (?)
In most cities, feeding city pigeons is prohibited. There’s a good reason for this: often harmful foods like (moldy) bread and other food scraps are offered, leading to diarrhea and malnutrition. If feeding is allowed, it’s best to give them grains, seeds, dried peas, or lentils. Even better would be to support pigeon houses in the area. There, people who are well-versed in caring for these animals work and can also treat injuries if necessary.
Pigeon Houses
Pigeon houses help control the number of pigeons in cities. Here’s how it works: the pigeons find a cozy place to nest in the pigeon house. The eggs they lay there are replaced with plastic eggs. This way, they can engage in their natural behavior but do not reproduce.
Importance to the Ecosystem
Pigeons eat seeds and distribute them in their surroundings. This can lead to the growth of new plants. Additionally, they serve as an important food source for birds of prey such as the peregrine falcon, the kestrel, and the Cooper's hawk.
Reproduction
Forever Faithful
Doves are monogamous, meaning they stay together for life. To attract a female, the male performs an elaborate courtship dance. He puffs himself up, follows his beloved, bows, and dances around her. If she agrees, they become a pair. They often express their affection by preening each other, sitting close together, and cooing.
Nest
The nest is built collaboratively from twigs, roots, stems, and feathers. A typical clutch consists of two eggs, which are oval and white. After 17-18 days, the chicks hatch. They are lovingly cared for and fed by their parents. After 23-25 days, they leave the nest for the first time, and by 30-35 days, they are capable of flight and independent. Unfortunately, 90% of the chicks do not survive their first year.
The Pigeon Is Related To:
- Common Wood Pigeon
- Rock Dove
- Stock Dove
Animals in the Same Biome:
- Black Rat
- Blue Tit
- Bumblebee
- Cat
- Common Blackbird
- Dog
- Great Tit
- Hedgehog
- Honey Bee
- Red Squirrel
- Magpie
- Mouse
- Raven
- Sparrow
Sources:
- „Visual memory lateralization in pigeons“ (https://link.springer.com)
- „Wenn Tauben träumen“ (https://news.rub.de)
- „New findings show pigeons act selflessly when under threat“ (https://www.sciencedirect.com)
- „Identifying volatile organic compounds used for olfactory navigation by homing pigeons“ (https://www.nature.com)
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