Animal stories: Pegeons

Pigeons are the social birds found all over the world. They are small headed, short legged and swift flying birds with pointed wings. These birds come in many different colours, dark grey, light blue/grey, brown, white, grey and white and more.

The well-known species of pigeon are rock pigeons and white doves. White doves are mostly regarded as the symbol of peace.

Rock pigeons are the most common pigeon. They are about 12-14 inches long with bluish gray wings with two black bars and the tail is margined with white. The head and neck are a darker blue-grey than the back and wings. Their eye colour is generally orange but some also may have white-grey coloured eyes. The feet are red to pink. They are specially noted for their cooing sound. Pigeons have very strong homing instinct that helps them to find their way back home. So the pet pigeons are let to fly free as they will always come back home.

Favourite food

Pigeons eat seeds, leaves, fruits, berries, nuts and flowers. They occasionally feed on worms and insects. Their favourite diet is seeds. Unlike other birds, pigeons drink by sucking up water. There are very few other birds that are able to drink like pigeons.

Their home

The habitat of rock pigeons is natural cliffs, usually on coasts. In cities, they are seen dwelling in trees, cultivated land, parks and gardens. They can generally be found in areas well covered with plantations and woods. Pigeons found in cities lives in the ledges of high buildings which is a perfect substitute for sea cliffs.

Young ones

Females lay one or two white eggs in the nest made of sticks and twigs. Male pigeons builds the nest. The parents take turns to keep the eggs warm. Males stays in the nest during the day and females at night. Egg takes about 18 days to hatch.

Male pigeons have the rare ability to lactate, producing milk for the babies just like the females do. Newborn pigeons are fed on the special milk by both the parents during the first week. Once the pigeons are paired, they stay together for lifetime. Pigeons have a life span of up to 15 years.

Symbolism

White doves and domesticated rock pigeons are a traditional Christian and Jewish symbol of love and peace. They are also considered an international symbol of peace. According to the Biblical story, a dove was released by Noah after the flood in order to find land; it came back carrying an olive branch in its beak, telling Noah that, somewhere, there was land. Since then, a dove or pigeon with an olive branch has been symbolising peace. — Compiled by Merina Pradhan