common pigeon

The Common Pigeon (Columba livia), also widely known as the Rock Dove, is perhaps the most recognizable bird in the world. With a history intertwined with human civilization for thousands of years, these resilient birds have transitioned from coastal cliffs to becoming a staple of urban landscapes globally. Whether seen as a symbol of peace or a city dweller, the pigeon is a marvel of adaptation and homing instinct.

Adults typically measure between 29 to 37 cm with a wingspan of 62 to 72 cm. They are characterized by a dark bluish-grey head and neck, accented by vibrant yellowish, greenish, and reddish-purple iridescence. Key identification features include two black bars on pale grey wings, a white lower back, and an orange or golden iris. Their bills are grey-black with a distinct white cere at the base, and they possess purplish-red feet.

Originally, Rock Doves inhabited natural cliffs and sea caves across Europe, North Africa, and South Asia. However, their domesticated descendants—feral pigeons—have spread worldwide. Today, they are most commonly found in urban environments, roosting on buildings, bridges, and statues, which mimic the rocky ledges of their ancestral homes.

Common Pigeons are primarily granivores, focusing their diet on:

• Seeds and cultivated grains.
• Green leafy vegetation in some agricultural areas.
• In urban settings, they act as opportunistic scavengers, frequently feeding on human food waste and garbage.

Pigeons often form pairs during the breeding season and are known for their prolific nesting habits. They build relatively flimsy nests of sticks and debris on sheltered ledges. A unique aspect of their breeding is the production of 'crop milk,' a nutritious secretion from the lining of the crop that both parents feed to their young (squabs).

Pigeons are highly gregarious and feed in flocks. They exhibit a unique drinking mechanism; unlike most birds that sip and tilt their heads back, pigeons can suck up water continuously. They are also famous for their homing ability, allowing them to navigate back to their roosts from vast distances. When taking flight suddenly, their wings produce a loud clapping sound that serves as a signal to the rest of the flock.

The Common Pigeon is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. With a global population estimated in the hundreds of millions and an occurrence extent covering millions of square kilometers, they are one of the most successful avian species on the planet.

1. Fossil evidence in Israel shows pigeons have existed for at least 300,000 years.
2. They fly with a pronounced V-shape glide and can reach impressive speeds.
3. Pigeon groups are split into 'producers' (who find food) and 'scroungers' (who eat what others find).
4. The white cere on the bill is one of the easiest ways to identify an adult pigeon.
5. In captivity, they can live up to 15 years, far outlasting their 3-5 year lifespan in the wild.

When observing pigeons, look for the iridescence on the neck; in females, this shimmer is often less intense and more restricted to the sides. To see their natural behavior, watch them at a fountain—their ability to drink without lifting their heads is a rare trait among birds. In flight, look for the white underwing and the white rump to confirm a pure Rock Dove lineage.

The Common Pigeon is much more than a city fixture; it is a master of navigation and a survivor of the ages. From the ancient cliffs of Asia to the skyscrapers of modern metropolises, Columba livia continues to thrive alongside humanity, proving that even the most common birds have extraordinary stories to tell.