Birds
Of
A
Feather
Flock
Together
Doves &Pigeons
The terms dove and pigeon are used interchangeably, although smaller species are more likely to be called doves.
The species commonly referred to just as the "pigeon" is the feral Rock Dove.
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills.
They feed on seeds, fruit and other plants..
In their nests often made of sticks, twigs, and grasses, the hen will usually lay two white eggs, that are incubated by both parents.
Doves and pigeons produce "crop milk", which is secreted and fed to their young during the first week of life
The young doves and pigeons are called 'squabs'.
Rock Doves have been domesticated for several thousand years, giving rise to the domestic pigeon.
A person who keeps pigeons is called a 'pigeon fancier'
A special breed, called a homing pigeon has been developed through selective breeding to carry messages, and members of this variety of pigeon are used in pigeon racing today.
Pigeon racing is a popular sport where pigeons are released as much as 1000km from home and are timed on their return to their home coops.
This is a remarkable ability they have, especially when you consider that they are not generally a migratory species.
It's believed that pigeons can do this because they are able to sense the earth's magnetic field.
Pigeons are intelligent and highly trainable, and are the subject of continued study and experimentation by leading research centers
One interesting study found pigeons were more effective than humans in spotting shipwrecked victims at sea.
The abilities of pigeons is still undergoing much study
Pigeons are also bred for meat. (sqab)
However some domestic birds have escaped or been released over the years, and these feral pigeons, are flourishing in major urban centers.
Many communities consider feral pigeons to be a nuisance and try to limit the pigeon populations
But these birds are often loved and fed by locals that just enjoy their cooing easy ways.
Doves and Pigeons continue to thrive in most areas around the world today
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