Biology of Pigeons

It seems like pigeons are everywhere, and rightly so, because pigeons have learned they survive best when in close proximity to humans, so that's where they tend to spend their time. The average pigeon in the United States goes by the official name of Columba livia, and is about 12 inches long and weighs approximately a pound. These blue-grey animals can vary slightly in color, with males being more colorful than females, but as a general rule, pigeon color is reminiscent of the streets they patrol for food. Pigeons are primarily grain and seed eaters, but they won't turn down a meal from garbage, animal manure, or scraps left by people. Believe it or not, the pigeon was initially a domesticated bird in the United States, and these birds became feral after escaped populations started to thrive. Living an average of 15 years, pigeons stay true to one mate, and they typically lay 1 to 2 eggs 12 days after mating. The eggs hatch after a period of 18 days, and the baby birds stay in the nest until 4 to 6 weeks of age. During that time, the mother pigeon will feed them pigeon milk, a substance in the crop of both the male and the female. The male pigeon does not leave his family; he will diligently guard the nest while the female raises the young.



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