The rock pigeon (Columba livia), also known as the common pigeon or rock pigeon, is the ancestor of the domestic pigeon. This species has an important variety of races, from which different colorations, combinations and shapes of plumage have been obtained, which make them unique and beautiful animals. Another aspect associated with this animal is its wide distribution, since in addition to being native to various countries, it has been introduced in many others.
Join us on this page of our site and discover all the characteristics of the rock pigeon.
Characteristics of the Rock Pigeon
The rock pigeon is the best known of all due to its wide distribution. Its main physical characteristics are the following:
- In general, it has medium dimensions, ranging between 31 and 34 cm in length, and a wingspan ranging from 63 to 70 cm.
- The average weight is close to 360 g.
- The head is small and the body is relatively rounded.
- The typical color of the rock dove is a combination of gray with black, green and other shades. It has a dark gray head, neck and chest. Greenish and reddish or purple tones are mixed on the neck and chest, it has two black bands on the wings, the abdominal region and the wings are light gray and, in some cases, there is a bluish band on the tail.
- The iris of the eye is orange or reddish, with a lighter ring towards the center.
- The bill is dark gray or black and has a peculiar whitish bump.
- The coloration of the legs is reddish.
- Females and males are almost identical, except that the greenish and reddish/purple iridescence on both the neck and chest is less intense in females. Likewise, males tend to be larger, have a more marked chest and a characteristic vertical line in the abdomen area.
Rock Pigeon Habitat
Originally, this species is native to Southwest Asia, North Africa, and Europe, however, following its domestication, It has been introduced in a large number of countries around the world. The global population of the rock pigeon is so large that it has been estimated at more than 260.000,000 individuals. In Europe alone it is estimated that there are between 22,100,000 and 45,200,000 adults.
The habitat of the rock pigeon has expanded over time and is currently made up of various spaces. On the one hand, it develops in the cracks that form in the rocky cliffs adjacent to the sea. It is also present in cultivated areas, regions with bushy vegetation and rural areas where there are old farms. Avoid ecosystems with lush and tall vegetation.
But as we have mentioned, it was introduced on a global scale, so it is a very common animal in cities, having a presence on endless buildings of all kinds, which in many cases brings certain problems due to the accumulation of feces and feathers, considering that it can transmit various pathogens that affect people and domestic animals.
Rock Pigeon Customs
The rock pigeon has mainly diurnal habits, while at night it usually perches in a shelter. In his hours of activity he usually travels on a steady flight. When on the ground, it walks or even runs with a typical bob of the head, which moves back and forth. When temperatures are very high, they also often seek shelter.
It is common to observe the common pigeon in groups, either flying or feeding, however, it does not usually interact with other individuals of the species. In urban areas they are commonly seen in certain spaces where people walk, which indicates their lack of shyness.
This species of pigeon emits vocalizations to communicate. When it perceives a danger, just before taking off it flaps its wings, which produces a characteristic sound that alerts the other pigeons.
Rock Pigeon Breeding
It is a kind of pigeon monogamous, so it forms lasting couples that are estimated to be permanent. Discover how monogamous animals are in this other article. Reproduction can occur at any time of the year, for which the male performs courtship, which consists of chasing the female and making certain movements until he mounts her by a short time.
The male is the one who builds the nest Once ready, the female will lay one 2 eggs, which is the average number, which they will be incubated by both parents, since they participate cooperatively in the whole process, including in the care and feeding of the newborns. The average incubation time is 18 days; After that, the birth will occur.
The rock pigeon sexually matures about 5 months after being born, a fact that occurs in both males and females. Its life expectancy differs considerably, since when it is in the wild it lasts approximately 6 years, while in captivity it can live 35 years.
Feeding Rock Pigeon
Although they are actually omnivores, they prefer a herbivorous diet Thus, they basically consume several types of seeds such as corn, in addition to oats, cherries, barley, slippery elm, and poison hydra. Eventually, they get to catch spiders, insects and worms. However, being a species that has developed considerably with human beings, it has adapted to the consumption of food obtained from the remains or waste that we leave behind. Thus, it is common for them to eat a large amount of food that people throw away. A certain habit has also been created in some social meeting places, such as parks or squares, in which these animals are fed with popcorn.
The rock pigeon usually feeds early in the morning and in the afternoon, an act that is usually done in groups. In fact, in certain places that favor their presence, they form large congregations to feed.
Get all the details about their diet in this other article: "What do pigeons eat?". And if you have found a baby pigeon that has fallen from the nest and you can help it, in this other post we will help you: "Care and feeding of newborn pigeons".
Conservation status of the rock dove
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified the rock dove in the category of least concern, with a decreasing population trend. However, its distribution is so wide that does not come close to the vulnerability thresholds
A particular aspect occurs with this species, and that is that the wild form has crossed in an important way with the domesticated one because over time the geographical limits between one and the other overlapped. Due to this interbreeding, it is presumed that the wild population has been declining. Until 2019, no conservation programs were known for the species.
It is important to remember that, despite the fact that many people decide to share their lives with a rock pigeon or any other breed, they are animals that need to fly and move freely, so keeping them confined in a cage is not at all positive nor does it comply with the freedoms of animal welfare. If we find a common pigeon injured in the street, we can help it, but once it is cured, if possible, it is advisable to set it free again.
