Common Pigeon

Feral pigeons, often referred to as city doves or street pigeons, are essentially domesticated pigeons that have returned to the wild. They originate from the domesticated pigeon, which itself was bred from the wild rock dove. Over time, these birds have adapted remarkably well to urban environments, using building ledges as substitutes for the natural sea cliffs their ancestors favored. You can find them in towns and cities worldwide, though they are often regarded as nuisances due to the mess they create, their potential to spread diseases, and the damage they can cause to property.

In appearance, feral pigeons are similar in size and shape to wild rock doves but exhibit a wider range of colors and patterns. Their feathers contain two types of melanin, resulting in various colorations. These pigeons are monogamous and mate for life, with males performing courtship displays to attract females. They typically nest in abandoned buildings, preferring roof spaces and ledges.

These birds breed year-round and can lay eggs up to six times a year. Their diet is quite varied, including grass seeds, berries, insects, and even discarded human food. Because they can be pests and carry diseases, many cities have implemented control measures, such as reducing their food supply, using avian contraceptives, and placing dummy eggs in nests to manage their populations.

Feral pigeons have natural predators including peregrine falcons, sparrowhawks, crows, and seagulls. While poisoning might seem like a solution, it often has unintended consequences and usually does not effectively reduce pigeon numbers. Effective population control requires monitoring, often employing methods like stratified grids and point counts to estimate pigeon numbers.

Depending on your location, pigeons might be protected by specific laws or considered invasive species. Notable spots with large pigeon populations include Washington Square Park in New York City and Piazza San Marco in Venice. For those interested in learning more, books like "The Pigeon" by Wendell Levi and "Feral Pigeons" by Richard F. Johnston offer deeper insights into the lives of these urban birds.