Columba livia (rock pigeon)
A feral pigeon in mid-flight. © H Van Grouw
Columba livia is the pigeon. There are 3 types of pigeon:
- rock pigeons (natural)
- domestic pigeons (artificial)
- feral pigeons (outlaws)
The feral pigeons, found in our towns and cities, stemmed almost entirely from the old-time dovecote pigeons. These dovecote pigeons were semi-domesticated birds that originally derived from wild rock pigeons (Columba livia).
The feral pigeons are often ignored by ornithologists. Perhaps because:
- they are not native wild birds
- the result of man’s interference with nature
Feral pigeons live in an artificial environment, like the townspeople who feed them, but they are not pariahs.
Feral pigeons have lived in our towns for so long now that it is hard to say they are not native. Their original ancestor, the rock pigeon, is a native wild bird - this makes the feral pigeon a fully-fledged species as well, which does not deserve to be ignored or hated.
Species detail
It is often thought that feral pigeons descend from domestic pigeons that strayed, became lost or were abandoned by their owners. However, 'fancy' pigeons have little chance of survival outside their lofts. They are easy prey for predators and they aren't able to find their own food. Even if they joined a flock of feral pigeons, they would not be tough enough to survive, and homing pigeons seldom live very long or breed successfully in feral state.
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Taxonomy
Find out about the scientific classification of Columba livia and how it is referred to within the scientific community. Read a more in-depth taxonomic history regarding this species.
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Distribution and ecology
Discover the areas that feral pigeons are known from and the types of habitat they are typically found in. Learn about the nesting patterns of this species.
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Origin and evolution
Learn about the domestication of pigeons and the cultures that made use of them.
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Behaviour and feeding
Feral pigeons live independently of but usually close to humans and spend much of their time idling, preening or sun-bathing. Find out about the behaviour and feeding patterns of this species.
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Description
Learn about the form and structure of the feral pigeon.
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References
Get reference material for Columba livia.
Images
The feral pigeon lives mainly in urban area.
Blue is the natural colour of the rock pigeon.
Dovecote of Minster Lovell Hall.
Interior of dovecote.
Blue chequer is probably the most common colour in feral pigeons.
Feral pigeons appear in many different colours.
Feral pigeons are not only seen as pariahs, they are a joy for many people as well.
From rock pigeon and dovecote pigeon, the feral pigeon became a urban species which belongs in our towns now.
A feral pigeon in mid-flight.
