The common pigeon prolific in towns and cities with a chunky body, a short, rounded tail, two black wing bands, and a black tail band. There are many color variations, but the typical Rock Dove is blue-grey with a white lower back. Although pigeons are not migratory, they have extraordinary navigation abilities due in part to the fact that they are able to sense the Earth’s magnetic field with tiny magnetic tissues in their heads.
Grassland, Urban, Coastal
Wild Columba livia are native to Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia. Feral pigeons are found worldwide, including throughout all of North America.
Abundant
Diurnal
Rock doves are omnivorous, but prefer plant matter: chiefly fruits and grains.
Pigeons peck at food on the ground and drink by placing their bill in water, using it like a straw. When threatening a rival, pigeons may bow and coo, inflating their throat and walking in a circle. A male pigeon courts his mate by bowing, cooing, inflating his throat, and strutting in a circle around the female. They fly with a steady and direct path. Pigeons are most often seen during daylight, seeking cover at night and in during the heat of the day, according to the climate. They flock while roosting, sunning, and feeding.
Least Concern
