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"Rock pigeon" redirects here. For Australian rock pigeons, see Petrophassa. Petrophassa, commonly known as the rock pigeons, is a small genus of doves native to Australia, and similar to Bronzewing pigeons
Rock Pigeon
Adult C. l. intermedia in India
Adult C. l. intermedia in India
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Columbiformes
Family:Columbidae
Genus:Columba
Species:C. The conservation status of a Species is an indicator of the likelihood of that species remaining extant either in the present day or the near future Least Concern ( LC) is an IUCN category assigned to extant species or lower taxa which have been evaluated but do not qualify for any other category The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (also known as the IUCN Red List or Red Data List) created in 1963 is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global Chordates ( Phylum Chordata) are a group of Animals that includes the Vertebrates together with several closely related Invertebrates Birds ( class Aves) are bipedal endothermic ( Warm-blooded) Vertebrate animals that lay eggs. The Bird order Columbiformes includes the very widespread and successful Doves and pigeons, classified in the family Columbidae and the The large Bird Genus Columba comprises a group of medium to large stout-bodied pigeons, often referred to as the typical pigeons livia
Binomial name
Columba livia
Gmelin, 1789[1]

The Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), or Rock Dove, is a member of the bird family Columbidae (doves and pigeons). Johann Friedrich Gmelin ( August 8, 1748 – November 1, 1804) was a German naturalist, Botanist and Year 1789 ( MDCCLXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Birds ( class Aves) are bipedal endothermic ( Warm-blooded) Vertebrate animals that lay eggs. [2] In common usage, this bird is often simply referred to as the "pigeon". The species includes the domestic pigeon, and escaped domestic pigeons have given rise to the feral pigeon. The domestic pigeon ( Columba livia f domestica) was derived from the Rock Pigeon. Feral pigeons, also called city doves, city pigeons or street pigeons, are derived from Domestic pigeons that have returned to the wild [3]

Wild Rock Pigeons are pale grey with two black bars on each wing, although domestic and feral pigeons are very variable in colour and pattern. There are few visible differences between males and females. [4] The species is generally monogamous, with two squabs (young) per brood. Monogamy is the custom or condition of having only one mate in a Relationship, thus forming a Couple. In Biology, offspring are the product of Reproduction, a new Organism produced by one or more Parents Collective offspring may be known Both parents care for the young for a time. [5]

Habitats include various open and semi-open environments, including agricultural and urban areas. A habitat (which is Latin for "it inhabits" is an Ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by a particular Species. Cliffs and rock ledges are used for roosting and breeding in the wild. In Geography and Geology, a cliff is a significant vertical or near vertical rock exposure Originally found wild in Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, feral Rock Pigeons have become established in cities around the world. The species is abundant, with an estimated population of 17 to 28 million feral and wild birds in Europe. [6]

Contents

Taxonomy and naming

The Rock Pigeon was first described by Gmelin in 1789. Johann Friedrich Gmelin ( August 8, 1748 – November 1, 1804) was a German naturalist, Botanist and The genus name Columba is the Latinized form of the Ancient Greek κόλυμβος (kolumbos), "a diver", from κολυμβάω (kolumbao), "dive, plunge headlong, swim". The Ancient Greek language is the historical stage in the development of the Hellenic language family spanning the Archaic (c [7] Aristophanes (Birds, 304) and others use the word κολυμβίς (kolumbis), "diver", for the name of the bird, because of its swimming motion in the air. Aristophanes (Ἀριστοφάνης ˌærɪˈstɒfəniːz in English ca The specific epithet is derived from the Latin livor, "bluish". Latin ( lingua Latīna, laˈtiːna is an Italic language, historically spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. [8] Its closest relative in the Columba genus is the Hill Pigeon, followed by the other rock pigeons: the Snow, Speckled and White-collared Pigeons. UserPolbot. -->The Hill Pigeon ( Columba rupestris) is a species of Bird in the Columbidae UserPolbot. -->The Snow Pigeon ( Columba leuconota) is a species of Bird in the Columbidae The Speckled Pigeon ( Columba guinea) is a pigeon which is a resident breeding bird in much of Africa south of the Sahara. UserPolbot. -->The White-collared Pigeon ( Columba albitorques) is a species of Bird in the Columbidae [2]

The species is also known as the Rock Dove or Blue Rock Dove, the former being the official name used by the British Ornithologists' Union and the American Ornithologists' Union until 2004, at which point they changed their official listing of the bird to Rock Pigeon. BOU may also stand for Bank of Uganda, the central bank of Uganda The British Ornithologists' Union ( BOU) aims to encourage The American Ornithologists' Union ( AOU) an ornithological organization in the USA. [9] In common usage, this bird is often simply referred to as the "pigeon". Baby pigeons are called squabs. [5]

Subspecies

There are 12 subspecies recognised by Gibbs (2000); some of these may be derived from feral stock. [2]

Description

The adult of the nominate subspecies of the Rock Pigeon is 32–37 cm (12-14½ in) long with a 64–72 cm (25-28 in) wingspan. [10] It has a dark bluish-gray head, neck, and chest with glossy yellowish, greenish, and reddish-purple iridescence along its neck and wing feathers. The iris is orange, red or golden with a paler inner ring, and the bare skin round the eye is bluish-grey. The bill is grey-black with a conspicuous off-white cere, and the feet are purplish-red.

The adult female is almost identical to the male, but the iridescence on the neck is less intense and more restricted to the rear and sides, while that on the breast is often very obscure. [2]

The white lower back of the pure Rock Pigeon is its best identification character, the two black bars on its pale grey wings are also distinctive. The tail has a black band on the end and the outer web of the tail feathers are margined with white. It is strong and quick on the wing, dashing out from sea caves, flying low over the water, its lighter grey rump showing well from above. [9]

Young birds show little lustre and are duller. Eye colour of the pigeon is generally an orange colour but a few pigeons may have white-grey eyes. The eyelids are orange in colour and are encapsulated in a grey-white eye ring. The feet are red to pink. [5]

Rock Pigeon in flight
Rock Pigeon in flight

When circling overhead, the white underwing of the bird becomes conspicuous. In its flight, behaviour, and voice, which is more of a dovecot coo than the phrase of the Wood Pigeon, it is a typical pigeon. For the New Zealand Pigeon or Kererū (often incorrectly called "wood pigeons" see Kererū. Although it is a relatively strong flier, it also glides frequently, holding its wings in a very pronounced V shape as it does. Though fields are visited for grain and green food, it is nowhere so plentiful as to be a pest. [11]

Pigeons feed on the ground in flocks or individually. They roost together in buildings or on walls or statues. When drinking, most birds take small sips and tilt their heads backwards to swallow the water. Pigeons are able to dip their bills into the water and drink continuously without having to tilt their heads back. When disturbed, a pigeon in a group will take off with a noisy clapping sound. [12]

Homing pigeons, are well known for their ability to find their way home from long distances. Despite these demonstrated abilities, wild Rock Pigeons are rather sedentary and rarely leave their local areas. [13]

Distribution and habitat

Feral Rock Pigeons in semi-natural habitat perched on sea cliffs
Feral Rock Pigeons in semi-natural habitat perched on sea cliffs

The Rock Pigeon has a restricted natural resident range in western and southern Europe, North Africa, and into South Asia. A habitat (which is Latin for "it inhabits" is an Ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by a particular Species. In Geography and Geology, a cliff is a significant vertical or near vertical rock exposure North Africa or Northern Africa is the Northernmost Region of the African Continent, separated by the Sahara from Sub-Saharan The Rock Pigeon is often found in pairs in the breeding season but is usually gregarious. [2] The species (including ferals) has a large range, with an estimated global extent of occurrence of 10 million km². It has a large global population, including an estimated 17–28 million individuals in Europe[6] Fossil evidence suggests the Rock Pigeon originated in southern Asia and skeletal remains unearthed in Israel confirm their existence there for at least three hundred thousand years. FOSSIL is a standard protocol for allowing serial communication for Telecommunications programs under the DOS Operating system. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. [3] Its habitat is natural cliffs, usually on coasts. Its domesticated form, the feral pigeon, has been widely introduced elsewhere, and is common, especially in cities, over much of the world. A feral organism is one that has escaped from Domestication and returned partly or wholly to its wild state In Great Britain, Ireland and much of its former range. See also Kingdom of Great Britain Great Britain (Breatainn Mhòr Prydain Fawr Breten Veur Graet Breetain is the larger of the two main islands Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world A Rock Pigeon's life span is anywhere from 3–5 years in the wild to 15 years in captivity, though longer-lived specimens have been reported. [12] The species was first introduced to North America in 1606 at Port Royal, Nova Scotia. The Habitation at Port-Royal was an early French colonial settlement and is presently a National Historic Site located at Port Royal in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia (ˌnəʊvəˈskəʊʃə ( Latin for New Scotland; Alba Nuadh Nouvelle-Écosse is a Canadian province located on Canada 's [9]

Reproduction

Courtship display
Courtship display

The Rock Pigeon breeds at any time of the year, but peak times are spring and summer. Nesting sites are situated along coastal cliff faces, as well as the artificial cliff faces created by apartment buildings with accessible ledges or roof spaces. [14]

The type of nest constructed is a flimsy platform of straw and sticks, put on ledge, under cover. Often window ledges of buildings. [13] Two white eggs are laid with incubation that is shared by both parents lasting from seventeen to nineteen days. [5]

The nestling has pale yellow down and a flesh-coloured bill with a dark band. Birds ( class Aves) are bipedal endothermic ( Warm-blooded) Vertebrate animals that lay eggs. It is tended and fed on "crop milk" like other doves. Crop milk, also known as pigeon's milk, is a secretion from the lining of the crop of pigeons and doves with which the parents feed their young by The fledging period is 30 days. [10]

Predators

Pigeons are preyed upon by many different predators with Peregrine Falcons and sparrowhawks being quite adept at catching and feeding upon this species, as shown by the high losses of racing pigeons to these predators. The Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus) also known simply as the Peregrine, and historically as the "Duck Hawk" in North America is a [15] Some common predators of feral pigeons in the North America are opossums, raccoons, Great Horned Owls, and Eastern Screech-owls. Didelphimorphia is the order of common opossums of the Western Hemisphere. The raccoon ( Procyon lotor) (sometimes spelt as racoon) also known as the common raccoon, North American raccoon, northern raccoon The Great Horned Owl, Bubo virginianus, is a large owl native to North and South America The Eastern Screech Owl or Eastern Screech-Owl ( Megascops asio) is a small owl. Other predators include the Golden Eagle and American Kestrels. The Golden Eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos) is one of the best known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere The American Kestrel ( Falco sparverius) is a small Falcon. This bird was (and sometimes still is colloquially known in North America as [16] On the ground the adults, their young and their eggs are at risk from feral and domestic cats. WikipediaManual of Style (spelling, articles should conform to one overall spelling style of English typically the one most linked to the article topic (if it is geographic [5] Doves and pigeons are considered to be game birds as many species have been hunted and used for food in many of the countries in which they are native. Game is any Animal hunted for Food or not normally domesticated (such as Venison) [17]

Human health

Pigeons have been associated with a variety of human diseases, including histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis. Histoplasmosis, also known as Darling's disease, is a Disease caused by the Fungus Histoplasma capsulatum which was discovered in Cryptococcosis is a serious and potentially fatal Fungal disease caused by members of the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex comprising the two species [18] Pigeons are not a major concern in the spread of West Nile virus; though they can contract it, they do not appear to be able to transmit it. West Nile virus (or WNV is a Virus of the family Flaviviridae; part of the Japanese encephalitis (JE antigenic complex of viruses it is found in [19] Pigeons are, however, at potential risk for carrying and spreading avian influenza. For the H5N1 subtype of Avian influenza see H5N1. Avian influenza, sometimes Avian flu, and commonly Bird flu refers Although one study has shown that adult pigeons are not clinically susceptible to the most dangerous strain of avian influenza, the H5N1,[20] other studies have presented definitive evidence of clinical signs and neurological lesions resulting from infection. Influenza A virus subtype H5[[Neuraminidase N1]], also known as A(H5N1 or simply H5N1, is a subtype of the Influenza A virus which can cause [21][22] Furthermore, it has been shown that pigeons are susceptible to other strains of avian influenza, such as the H7N7,[23] from which at least one human fatality has been recorded. H7N7 is a subtype of the species Influenza A virus (sometimes called bird flu virus

Domestication

Main article: Domestic pigeon
Domestic pigeons
Domestic pigeons

Rock Pigeons have been domesticated for several thousand years, giving rise to the domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica). The domestic pigeon ( Columba livia f domestica) was derived from the Rock Pigeon. The domestic pigeon ( Columba livia f domestica) was derived from the Rock Pigeon. [5] As well as pets, domesticated pigeons are utilised as homing pigeons and carrier pigeons, and so-called war pigeons have served and played important roles during wartimes, with many pigeons having received bravery awards and medals for their services in saving hundreds of human lives: including, notably, the French pigeon Cher Ami who received the Croix de Guerre for his heroic actions during World War I, and the Irish Paddy and the American G.I. Joe, who both received the Dickin Medal, amongst 32 pigeons to receive this medallion, for their gallant and brave actions during World War II. The homing pigeon is a variety of domesticated Rock Pigeon ( Columba livia domestica) that has been selectively A Carrier pigeon is a Homing Pigeon (specifically a Domesticated Rock Pigeon, Columba livia) that has been used to carry messages Pigeons have played an important role in wars for a long time Cher Ami ( French 'male form' for "Dear Friend" was a registered Black Check Cock Homing pigeon which had been donated by the pigeon fanciers of Britain The Croix de Guerre (sometimes lowercase in French Croix de guerre, meaning "Cross of War" is a military decoration of both France and Paddy (Pigeon number NPS439451 was an Irish Pigeon awarded the Dickin Medal after being the first pigeon to arrive back in England with news GI Joe ( March 24, 1943 in Algiers - June 3, 1961 in Detroit) is possibly one of the most famous Pigeons in The Dickin Medal was instituted in 1943 by Maria Dickin to honour the work of animals in war [5] There are numerous breeds of fancy pigeons of all sizes, colours and types. See Breed (song for the song by Nirvana. See Breed (video game for the video game by Brat Designs Fancy pigeons are domesticated varieties of the Rock Pigeon ( Columba livia) [24]

Feral pigeon

Main article: Feral pigeon

Many domestic birds have escaped or been released over the years, and have given rise to the feral pigeon. Feral pigeons, also called city doves, city pigeons or street pigeons, are derived from Domestic pigeons that have returned to the wild A feral organism is one that has escaped from Domestication and returned partly or wholly to its wild state These show a variety of plumages, although some have the blue barred pattern like the pure Rock Pigeon does. Feral pigeons are found in large numbers in cities and towns all over the world. [25] The scarcity of the pure wild species is partly due to interbreeding with feral birds. [11]

Gallery

Egg, measured in centimetres

Nest with two eggs

Nestlings, one day

Nestling, five days

Nestlings, about ten days

Young bird, 22 days

Adult Rock Pigeon with wild-type plumage

Feral pigeons in foreplay

References

  1. ^ Columba livia Gmelin, 1789 (Web data). ITIS Report. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1455 - Traditional date for the publication of the Gutenberg Bible, the first Western Book printed from Movable
  2. ^ a b c d e Gibbs, David; Eustace Barnes, John Cox. Pigeons and Doves: A Guide to the Pigeons and Doves of the World. United Kingdom: Pica Press, 624. ISBN 1873403607.  
  3. ^ a b Blechman, Andrew (2007). Pigeons-The fascinating saga of the world's most revered and reviled bird.. St Lucia, Queensland: University of Queensland Press. ISBN 9780702236419.  
  4. ^ Rock Pigeon. Cornell lab of ornithology – All about birds (2003). Retrieved on 2008-04-29. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1429 - Joan of Arc arrives to relieve the Siege of Orleans.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Levi, Wendell (1977). The Pigeon. Sumter, S. C. : Levi Publishing Co, Inc. ISBN 0853900132.  
  6. ^ a b BirdLife International (2004). Columba livia. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (also known as the IUCN Red List or Red Data List) created in 1963 is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 8 May 2006.
  7. ^ Liddell, Henry George and Robert Scott (1980). Henry George Liddell ( February 6, 1811 – January 18, 1898) was Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, Dean (1855-91 of Christ Robert Scott ( January 26, 1811 – December 2, 1887) was a 19th-century British academic philologist and a Fellow (later Master of A Greek-English Lexicon (Abridged Edition). A Greek-English Lexicon is a standard lexicographical work of the Ancient Greek language, begun in the nineteenth century and now in United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-910207-4.  
  8. ^ Simpson, D. P. (1979). Cassell's Latin Dictionary, 5, London: Cassell Ltd. , 883. ISBN 0-304-52257-0.  
  9. ^ a b c White, Helen. Rock Pigeon Columba livia (Gmelin, 1789) (Web article). Diamond Dove homepage. Retrieved on 2008-02-18. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy
  10. ^ a b Jahan, Shah. Feral Pigeon (Web article). The Birds I Saw. Retrieved on 2008-02-19. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 197 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus defeats usurper Clodius Albinus in the Battle of Lugdunum
  11. ^ a b Wright, Mike. Wildlife Profiles: Pigeon (Web article). Arkansas Urban Wildlife. Retrieved on 2008-02-18. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy
  12. ^ a b Columba livia (domest.) (Web article). BBC Science & Nature. Retrieved on 2008-02-19. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 197 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus defeats usurper Clodius Albinus in the Battle of Lugdunum
  13. ^ a b Rock Pigeon (Web article). Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Retrieved on 2008-02-19. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 197 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus defeats usurper Clodius Albinus in the Battle of Lugdunum
  14. ^ Columba livia (Web article). Australian Museum Online. Retrieved on 2008-02-18. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy
  15. ^ Brown, Angie. Birds of prey 'will kill off pigeon racing' (Web article). The Scotsman. Retrieved on 2008-02-20. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1472 - Orkney and Shetland are left by Norway to Scotland, due to a Dowry payment
  16. ^ Roof, Jennifer (2001). Columba livia common pigeon (Web article). Animal Diversity Web University of Michigan. Retrieved on 2008-02-20. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1472 - Orkney and Shetland are left by Norway to Scotland, due to a Dowry payment
  17. ^ Butler, Krissy Anne. Keeping & Breeding Doves & Pigeons (Web article). Game Bird Gazette Magazine. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1455 - Traditional date for the publication of the Gutenberg Bible, the first Western Book printed from Movable
  18. ^ Facts about pigeon-related diseases (Web article). The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Retrieved on 2008-01-04. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 46 BC - Titus Labienus defeats Julius Caesar in the Battle of Ruspina.
  19. ^ Chalmers, Dr Gordon A. West Nile Virus and Pigeons (Web article). Panorama lofts. Retrieved on 2008-02-18. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy
  20. ^ Liu Y, Zhou J, Yang H, et al (2007). "Susceptibility and transmissibility of pigeons to Asian lineage highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1". Avian Pathol. 36 (6): 461–5. doi:10.1080/03079450701639335. A digital object identifier ( DOI) is a permanent identifier given to an Electronic document. PMID 17994324.  
  21. ^ Klopfleisch R, Werner O, Mundt E, Harder T, Teifke JP (2006). "Neurotropism of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A/chicken/Indonesia/2003 (H5N1) in experimentally infected pigeons (Columbia livia f. domestica)". Vet. Pathol. 43 (4): 463–70. doi:10.1354/vp.43-4-463. A digital object identifier ( DOI) is a permanent identifier given to an Electronic document. PMID 16846988.  
  22. ^ Werner O, Starick E, Teifke J, et al (2007). "Minute excretion of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A/chicken/Indonesia/2003 (H5N1) from experimentally infected domestic pigeons (Columbia livia) and lack of transmission to sentinel chickens". J. Gen. Virol. 88 (Pt 11): 3089–93. doi:10.1099/vir.0.83105-0. A digital object identifier ( DOI) is a permanent identifier given to an Electronic document. PMID 17947534.  
  23. ^ Panigrahy B, Senne DA, Pedersen JC, Shafer AL, Pearson JE (1996). "Susceptibility of pigeons to avian influenza". Avian Dis. 40 (3): 600–4. doi:10.2307/1592270. A digital object identifier ( DOI) is a permanent identifier given to an Electronic document. PMID 8883790.  
  24. ^ McClary, Douglas (1999). Pigeons for Everyone. Great Britain: Winckley Press. ISBN 0907769284.  
  25. ^ Why study pigeons? To understand why there are so many colors of feral pigeons. (Web Article). Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Retrieved on 2008-02-20. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1472 - Orkney and Shetland are left by Norway to Scotland, due to a Dowry payment
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