Most
of us know pigeons-- those birds common
in cities that we feed scraps of bread
to. What many people don't know is that
they are the most serious bird pest
associated with human habitations.
Pigeons are descendants of the European
rock dove and were introduced to the
U.S. as a domesticated bird. In the
city, they are found in parks and on
sidewalks. They roost and nest on city
bridges and buildings. In rural areas,
they inhabit farm yards, livestock
facilities, grain elevators, and feed
mills.
Pigeons generally have gray bodies,
although sometimes they may also be
white, tan, and black. Their heads are
dark with a greenish-purplish
iridescence. They average 11 inches in
length and weigh around 13 ounces.
Pigeon flocks may number up to several
hundred. Small groups of pigeons will
select a house or a few houses in which
to roost. They then inhabit roofs,
ledges, drain spouts, lofts, steeples,
attics, caves, and ornate architectural
features. Pigeons do not construct the
typical bird's nest. Instead, a crude
platform is made of sticks, twigs, and
grasses that are clumped together. The
actual structure that they roost in acts
as the nest while providing protection
from the elements.
Pigeons are pretty much monogamous
maters. The male's role is to care for
and guard the nest. The female lays one
to two eggs 8 to 12 days after mating
with the male. 18 days after the eggs
are laid, the eggs hatch into baby
pigeons. Baby pigeons are fed a
regurgitated substance known as "pigeon
milk." At 4 to 6 weeks of age, young
pigeons leave the nest. Breeding is a
year-round activity, but is most
frequent during the spring and fall
months.
Pigeon populations are equal parts male
and female. In the wild, pigeons can
live for up to 15 years, while in the
city, the typical lifespan is 3 to 4
years.
Pigeons enjoy eating garbage and various
other grains. Primarily, they subsist on
food materials provided intentionally or
unintentionally by people. Many pigeons
become completely conditioned to relying
on people feeding them. Adult pigeons
consume 1 pound of food per week.
Pigeons can survive several days without
food, but need water everyday.
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