Images of pigeons were first found on the reconstructed façade of an excavated temple dedicated to the goddess Ninhursag (Queen of Heaven and Earth) at Al’Ubaid in Sumeria in 3000 BC. In pre-history it is likely that rock doves lived alongside man in caves and on cliff faces. It was at this time that Neolithic man was starting to cultivate cereal crops and domesticate animals for food. However, it is likely that rock doves were domesticated by Neolithic man as far back as 10,000 years ago in and around the alluvial plains of the Tigris and Euphrates.
Man with doveThe first mention of the domestication of the rock dove was found in Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets (pictographical writing on clay tablets) dating back over 5000 years. Pigeons can differentiate between photographs and even two different human beings in a single photograph.īack to top Domestication of the Rock Dove: Pigeons are highly intelligent and can recognise all 26 letters of the alphabet as well as being able to conceptualise.The pigeon is one of only 6 species, and the only non-mammal, to have this ability Pigeons have been found to pass the ‘mirror test’, the ability to recognise its own reflection in a mirror.
As a result, pigeons are often used in search and rescue missions at sea because of this unique sense combined with excellent all-round vision
Pigeons, like humans, can see in colour, but unlike humans they can also see ultraviolet light, a part of the spectrum that humans cannot see. Most birds sip water and then throw their head back to swallow Pigeons (and all the columbidae family) drink by sucking water and using their beaks like straws. Other theories include the use of roads and even low frequency seismic waves to find their way home Pigeons are thought to navigate by sensing the earth’s magnetic field and using the sun for direction. Pigeons can fly between 600 and 700 miles in a single day, with the longest recorded flight in the 19th century taking 55 days between Africa and England and covering 7000 miles. Pigeons can fly at average speeds of up to 77.6 mph but have been recorded flying at 92.5 mph. Pigeons can fly at altitudes of 6000 feet or more. The feral pigeon has few if any natural predators, with man being the main threat to the bird in areas of human habitation. The sparrowhawk may also predate on the wild pigeon. Predation: The wild pigeon is predated upon, almost exclusively, by the peregrine falcon, a bird that is also found living and breeding in coastal regions. Fledging period is approximately 30 days depending on time of year. Squabs are fed on ‘crop milk’ by both parents. The squab (chick) has yellow down and a pink bill. Two white eggs that are incubated by both parents for 17-19 days. Flimsy nest built on rocky shelf (wild) or accessible ledge on a building or in the roof void of a building (feral). Feral birds breed on or in buildings, usually in urban areas. Wild birds breed on coastal cliffs and some inland cliffs. All columbiformes are monogamous (mate for life). Breeds all year round with peak breeding periods in spring and summer. Orange or red iris with pale inner ring (adult) or brown or greyish brown (juveniles). Dark bluish-grey head, neck and chest with glossy greenish and reddish-purple iridescence around the neck and wing feathers. European population estimated at between 17 and 28 million birds.ĭescription (adult of the nominate subspecies of the rock pigeon): Habitat: The wild pigeon is found in coastal areas and the feral pigeon is found almost exclusively in areas of human habitation.ĭistribution: Worldwide except Sahara Desert, Antarctica and the high Arctic. Most Common: Feral Pigeon - 10-15 million in Europe. The word ‘dove’ is of Norse origin and first appeared in the 14th century as ‘dova’ or ‘douve’.įamily: Columbidae (includes 315 different species) Latin Name: Columba livia (‘dove’ or ‘bird of leaden or blue-grey colour’).Ĭommon Names: Pigeon, dove, blue rock pigeon, rock dove, wild rock pigeon, rock pigeon, feral pigeon.ĭerivation: The word ‘pigeon’ is derived from the Latin word ‘pipio’, meaning ‘young cheeping bird’. What does the future hold for the feral pigeon?. Pigeon Controls for Roofing & Guttering. De-Bird Bird Repellent Reflective Scare Tape. Physical Bird Deterrents & Bird Barriers. Bird Deterrent Bird Spikes - Specialist.
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