Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets mention the domestication of pigeons more than 5,000 years ago, as do Egyptian hieroglyphics. Breeding: nest is loosely constructed of twigs and leaves, primarily on structures such as window ledges, bridges, and in barns; has 2 white eggs. The young are fed pigeon milk, a liquid solid substance secreted in the crop of the adult (both male and female) that is regurgitated. This highly variable city pigeon is familiar to all urban dwellers. Thedomestic pigeon(C. l. domestica), which includes about one thousand differentbreeds, descended from this species. Columba livia is also known as the common pigeon and is distributed on almost every continent. Preferred Scientific Name. Their wings are broad but pointed wings and the tail is wide and rounded. The rock pigeon is the world's oldest domesticated bird. Columba liviaDomestic Dove, Domestic Pigeon, Feral Dove, Feral Pigeon, Common Pigeon, Feral Rock Pigeon, Rock Dove, Rock-Pigeon, Blue Rock Pigeon The domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) is a pigeon subspecies that was derived from the rock dove (also called the rock pigeon). The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds, birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation. Get Instant ID help for 650+ North American birds. Research suggests that domestication of pigeons occurred as early as 10,000 years ago. The name for the type of pigeon you see all over cities is the Rock Pigeon. Wing patterns may include two bars, dark spots, or can be plain. Occasional variants are pale or rusty colored; often found in flocks with pigeons in standard gray plumage. The rock pigeon was introduced from Europe by early settlers; it is now widespread and common throughout the United States and southern Canada, particularly in urban settings. Columba livia Few birds have been associated with humans so closely as the Rock Pigeon, better known as the common city pigeon. The rock pigeon was introduced from Europe by early settlers; it is now widespread and common throughout the United States and southern Canada, particularly in urban settings. ; nominate in North America.). Few birds have been associated with humans so closely as the Rock Pigeon, better known as the common city pigeon. Juvenile: generally browner, lacks iridescence; orbital skin and feet gray. Tail usually shows a dark band at the tip. Rock Pigeons with red plumage may be more common in the southwestern United States than in northern and eastern areas. When alarmed, the flock may suddenly fly into the air and circle several times before coming down again. Most birds have iridescent throat feathers. It's scientific name is "Columba livia". Birds most closely resembling their wild ancestors are gray with head and neck darker than back, and a prominent white rump. Also called the rock pigeon and rock dove, Columba livia is a member of the Columbidae family. The introduced Rock Pigeon has proven adaptable to human activity and structures, and now occurs across the U.S. and southern Canada. Struts on the ground with head-bobbing motion to pick at seeds and handouts. Gregarious and forming large flocks, it feeds on handouts and grains during the day in city parks and open fields; roosts on buildings at night. Scientific name: Columba livia. Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets mention the domestication of pigeons more than 5,000 years ago, as do Egyptian hieroglyphics. Length 12.5". Pigeons are familiar birds of cities and towns. Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark, A rock pigeon photographed in Lincoln, Nebraska, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/r/rock-pigeon.html. The Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), also known as the rock dove, common pigeon, or simply pigeon, is a member of thebirdfamilyColumbidae(doves and pigeons). The scientific name of the rock pigeon is Columba livia, but it’s also known as rock dove or simply common pigeon.Where did the rock dove come from? A population of rock pigeons usually consists of equal numbers of males and females (Williams & Corrigan 1994). A medium-size compact pigeon with long wings and a short tail. All rights reserved. The domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) is a descendant of this species. Primarily associated with human development and dependent on people for food and shelter. Escaped domestic pigeons have raised the populations offeral pigeonsaround the world. Escaped domestic pigeons have raised the populations offeral pigeonsaround the world. A common sight in cities around the world, Rock Pigeons crowd streets and public squares, living on discarded food and offerings of birdseed. The rock pigeon is the world's oldest domesticated bird. In addition to the typical blue-gray bird with two dark wingbars, you'll often see flocks with plain, spotted, pale, or rusty-red birds in them. It has been domesticated and taken around the world, raised for food, trained for homing, racing, and carrying messages, and used in research. The domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) is a pigeon subspecies that was derived from the rock dove (also called the rock pigeon). Variable in color, but most birds are bluish gray with two black bands on the wing and a black tip to the tail. The tail is usually dark tipped. Thedomestic pigeon(C. l. domestica), which includes about one thousand differentbreeds, descended from this species. Larger and plumper than a Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeons are tubby birds with small heads and short legs. Plump bird with small head and straight, thin bill. Many plumage variants have been developed by selective breeding over the years and the most common colours of feral birds are a mixture of … One additional reason for the Rock Pigeon’s abundance is the fact that in many areas they can nest year-round, beginning a new nest just six weeks after raising a brood. Breeding may occur at all seasons, but peak reproduction occurs in the spring and fall. Adult female: like male, but iridescence on neck and breast more restricted and subdued. The Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), also known as the rock dove, common pigeon, or simply pigeon, is a member of thebirdfamilyColumbidae(doves and pigeons). The body colour can vary from grey to white, tan, and black. Research suggests that domestication of pigeons occurred as early as … Plumage is variable; some birds are dark gray with green-purple iridescence on the neck. Columba livia (Gmelin, 1789) ... Rock pigeons have a grey body with a whitish rump, two black bars on the secondary wing feathers, a broad blank band on the tail, and red feet. Adult male: metallic green and purple iridescence on the neck and breast; iris orange to red; orbital skin blue-gray; bill grayish black; and feet dark red. Pigeons often gather in flocks, walking or running on the ground and pecking for food. In flight, most individuals have pale underwings and a dark band at the tail tip. Larger than a Mourning Dove; smaller than a crow. Introduced to North America from Europe in the early 1600s, city pigeons nest on buildings and window ledges. Scientific Name: Geopelia humeralis Brown Cuckoo-Dove. Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) is a member of the bird family Columbidae, commonly referred to as simply pigeons.They can be seen scrounging around dumpsters, picking up French fries dropped near the door to a fast food restaurant, and begging from picnickers in the park.They have long necks.