Showing posts with label ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia). Show all posts
Showing posts with label ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia). Show all posts
Monday, 29 August 2022
Friday, 4 June 2021
Thursday, 1 April 2021
Monday, 8 October 2018
Saturday, 24 February 2018
13-12-2015 YANGON, MYANMAR - ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
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The rock dove, rock pigeon, or common pigeon (/ˈpɪdʒ.ən/ also /ˈpɪdʒ.ɪn/; Columba livia) is a member of the bird family Columbidae (doves and pigeons).: 624 In common usage, it is often simply referred to as the "pigeon", although this is the wild form of the bird; the pigeons most familiar to people are the domesticated form of the wild rock dove.
The domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica, which includes about 1,000 different breeds) descended from this species. Escaped domestic pigeons have increased the populations of feral pigeons around the world.
Wild rock doves are pale grey with two black bars on each wing, whereas domestic and feral pigeons vary in the colour and pattern of their plumage. Few differences are seen between males and females; i.e they are not strongly sexually dimorphic. The species is generally monogamous, with two squabs (young) per brood. Both parents care for the young for a time.
Habitats include various open and semi-open environments where they are able to forage on the ground. Cliffs and rock ledges are used for roosting and breeding in the wild. Originating in Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, 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 alone and up to 120 million worldwide.
Friday, 5 May 2017
4-5-2017 CORDOBA, ANDALUCIA - ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
The Rock Dove, commonly known as the Rock Pigeon or simply "pigeon," is a familiar bird that graces our cityscapes with its presence. This bird, with its robust body, rounded head, and stout bill, is a member of the Columbidae family. The wild form of the pigeon, Columba livia, is the progenitor of the domesticated varieties that are well-known to many. The wild Rock Dove sports a pale grey plumage adorned with two striking black bars on each wing, while domestic and feral pigeons exhibit a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns.
Adult Rock Doves typically measure between 29 to 37 cm in length, boasting a wingspan of 62 to 72 cm. They possess a dark bluish-grey head, neck, and chest, with an iridescent sheen that dances in shades of yellow, green, and reddish-purple along their neck and wing feathers. The eyes are often a vivid orange, red, or golden color, surrounded by bluish-grey skin. The bill is a muted grey-black, capped with a noticeable off-white cere, and the feet present in purplish-red hues.
Rock Doves favor open and semi-open environments where they can forage on the ground. In the wild, they roost and breed on cliffs and rock ledges, but have adapted remarkably well to urban environments where buildings mimic their natural nesting sites.
Originally hailing from Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, Rock Doves have spread to cities worldwide. Their population is abundant, with millions of feral and wild birds established across the globe.
Rock Doves are generally monogamous and exhibit strong parental care, with both parents tending to their young. They are gregarious outside of the breeding season, often forming large flocks. Their flight is characterized by a mix of powerful wingbeats and graceful gliding, with a distinctive V-shaped wing posture.
The Rock Dove's call is a soft, cooing sound that varies slightly depending on the context, such as an alarm call or a nest call. Non-vocal sounds include the loud flapping noise at take-off and the snapping of beaks, particularly by juveniles.
Rock Doves breed throughout the year, peaking in spring and summer. They typically lay two eggs per brood, with both parents sharing incubation duties. The young, called squabs, are fed on "crop milk" produced by both parents.
These birds are omnivorous, with a preference for plant matter such as fruits and grains. They have adapted to urban environments where they often scavenge for human-provided food sources.
The Rock Dove is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable and widespread population. However, the purity of the wild species' gene pool is threatened by interbreeding with feral pigeons.
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