Often nicknamed the "flying rat", the
pigeon
sometimes arouses disgust or contempt.
However, this bird was initially a very useful domestic bird to man.
Explanations.
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What is a Pigeon?
The pigeon belongs to the Columbidae family.
That is, it belongs to the category of medium-large birds.
In this family of birds, we also find the dove and the dove.
There are three species of pigeon in France:
rock pigeon
the wood pigeon
stock dove
The pigeon was once domesticated: it was bred for its meat and its nitrogen-rich droppings, which were used as fertilizer.
But he was also trained to be a carrier pigeon.
He traveled to deliver messages.
Today, the pigeon plays a significant ecological role.
Indeed, it feeds on our detritus and pests.
How to recognize a pigeon?
The pigeon is a medium to large sized bird with a small head and short beak.
Although there are several species of pigeons, their plumage is most often gray.
The pigeon can weigh between 250g to 520g and measure between 63cm to 80cm.
Like the dove, the pigeon coos.
Its cooing is easily recognizable by its five-tone song.
rock dove
Rock Dove stock.adobe.com
Formerly used as a carrier pigeon, the Rock Pigeon is identifiable by its black beak and red eyes.
Its plumage is mostly gray with two black lines on the wings.
There are also green spots on the feathers of the Rock Dove on the neck.
The wood pigeon
The Wood Pigeon stock.adobe.com
Once domesticated for its meat, the wood pigeon, also called wood pigeon, is the largest of the pigeons.
It can measure up to 45 cm.
It is recognized by its white spots on the neck, its rather pink chest, its yellow beak and its light eyes.
Finally, its head and wings are gray.
The Stock Dove
Stock Dove stock.adobe.com
The stock dove is the smallest of the pigeons, it can measure up to 32 cm.
Discreet, the Stock Dove is a forest bird.
You can recognize this pigeon by its black eyes and white beak.
Its plumage is mostly gray with green patches on the neck.
Finally, the tips of its wings and its tail are black.
Where does the pigeon live?
Like the titmouse, the pigeon is a
sedentary bird
.
The wood pigeon and the rock pigeon are mainly found in towns and villages.
They settle in cavities, under the roofs and terraces of buildings.
Only the stock dove settles in the forest.
Pigeons are mainly vegetarian birds, they feed on seeds and fruits, but can also feed on worms and insects.
In the city, pigeons have developed the ability to digest different types of food, they have become omnivores.
Opportunistic, they feed on the waste produced by human beings.
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Its nesting period is from late February to early September.
During this period, the female builds her nest and lays 2-3 eggs there.
How does a pigeon behave?
The pigeon is a
gregarious bird
, it tends to mingle with other species of birds.
But during its nesting period, it becomes monogamous.
The pigeon can breed up to six times a year.
Like the robin, the pigeon is not very shy towards humans, it has adapted perfectly to the urban environment.
Indeed, living in the city brings many advantages:
No natural predators: stone martens, polecats and birds of prey
no hunting
No pesticides
Heat: urban areas are warmer than rural ones