3 Domestic Pigeons: History, Behavior And More!
Since ancient ages, humans have been using pigeons for different purposes, including food, pets, messengers, and competitive sports.
But a great number of the pigeons are now domesticated by humans, and those are known as domestic pigeons.
Due to their calming nature, domestic pigeons are easy to tame. Besides, there are a huge variety of domestic pigeons that have adapted to urban life and live happily as a close companion of humans.
In this article, we have tried to cover every essential information about domestic pigeons that can make you understand them better. So, let us go through this!
Domestic Pigeon Profile
| Feature | Domestic Pigeon |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Columba Livia Domestica |
| Other Name: | City Dove |
| Origin: | Rock Dove/ Rock Pigeon/ Wild Rock Pigeon |
| Family: | Columbidae |
| Length: | 32-35 cm |
| Wingspan: | 19.7-26.4 inches |
| Weight: | 250-350 gm |
| Physical Features: | Upright body; round and small head; grey, black, and white color. |
| Behavior: | Timid, social, harmless, territorial |
| Lifespan: | Up to 15 years |
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A Short Overview of the Domestic Pigeon
The domestic pigeon, scientifically known as Columba livia domestica, is a subspecies of the wild rock pigeon, Columba livia.
You should understand that the domestic pigeon isn’t a particular breed; instead, it’s a collection of different breeds of pigeons that have been domesticated over the years.
Domesticated pigeons have been a friend to mankind in many different ways. And as time passed, people got into breeding pigeons for developing specific traits.
Currently, many different domesticated pigeon breeds exist across the world, and they can be classified into three types. Which are –
01. Flying or Sporting Pigeons
This is a specific category of domestic pigeons that are bred and trained for various competitive flying sports and events.
These pigeons are often very skilled at one particular skill from a pool of skills, like rolling, high flying, distant flying, tumbling, etc.
Enthusiasts and trainers who participate in pigeon racing and other flying competitions breed pigeons, focusing on the ability they require. These pigeons undergo rigorous training to build their endurance, stamina, and navigational skills.
02. Fancy Pigeons
Some domestic pigeon breeds are selectively bred for their unique and often ornate physical characteristics. They are also called ornamental or exhibition pigeons.
Unlike pigeons that are bred for practical purposes like racing or meat production, fancy pigeons are primarily raised for their aesthetic appeal and are showcased in exhibitions and competitions.
03. Utility Pigeons
Previously, pigeons were tamed and bred only for practical purposes like meat and egg production, sending long-distance messages, etc. These pigeons are called utility pigeons or utility breeds.
For a long period in history, pigeons were primely used as messenger pigeons during times of war and for communication over long distances. They were particularly valuable for their ability to return to their home loft, even from unfamiliar locations.
History of Domesticated Pigeons
Signs of pigeon domestication were first observed in the tablets from the Mesopotamian culture that existed more than 5,000 years ago. However, researchers claim that the trend of taming pigeons originated more than 10,000 years ago.
Pigeons are said to be one of the oldest domesticated animals, and their domestication and utilization have evolved over time. Ancient humans recognized the value of pigeons as a source of food and started breeding them for meat and eggs.
In many ancient cultures, pigeons held symbolic and religious significance. Persians, Greeks, Romans, and many other cultures used pigeons as messenger birds in various scenarios.
They played a crucial role in military communication during times of war. Also, kings of two distant kingdoms could reliably communicate using pigeons.
Over time, people mastered breeding pigeons to sharpen a particular skill. Gradually, trends of pigeon racing got more and more popular. People also bred pigeons with exclusive looks for ornamental purposes.
Currently, sports and exhibitions are the two most prevalent reasons pigeons are bred worldwide.
What Does a Domestic Pigeon Look Like?
Generally, pigeon varieties do not have any massive difference in their appearances, and domestic pigeons are no different in this case. Only some distinctive features make them different to look at.
Domestic pigeons have medium-sized straight bodies with small and round heads. They have long wings with strong flight muscles that help them for a swift flight.
Most of the domestic pigeons have different shades of gray throughout their whole body. In the neck area, they have small feathers, which are mostly of different colors compared to their chest area.
The Physical Structure of Domestic Pigeons
Domestic pigeons have a weight of approximately 250g to 350g with a body length of around 30 to 35 cm. Though they are mostly seen in gray, black, and white colors, you will also find them in several color combinations as well.
Generally, these pigeons have red-colored irises, but the younger ones develop a brownish color until they are mature.
Smaller heads and short legs are one of the main identifying features of domestic pigeons. Their feet and legs are pink with no feathers around the area. Sometimes, these pigeons have greenish or purplish feathers around their neck.
The Popular Breeds of Domestic Pigeons
There are a huge variety of domestic pigeons and some breeds are way too popular among the bird keepers as pets. Here, we have listed some of the most popular domestic pigeons that can be excellent pets.
- Indian Fantail
- Lahore Pigeons
- Pigmy Pouter
- Helmet Pigeon
- Turbit Pigeon
- Ice Pigeon
- Old Dutch Capuchine
- Blondinette
What Does a Domestic Pigeon Sound Like?
Among different domestic birds, pigeons are the ones that have calm and soft vocals, which will definitely make you enjoy their company. Their soft cooing sound isn’t that loud and so it might feel comforting for you.
Rarely they can be a bit loud and make a grunting sound while fighting with each other. They also make such sounds when they are distressed or injured.
Besides, you will also notice them making tapping and clicking sounds while taking a flight or walking on hard surfaces.
How Do They Sound When Mating?
Domestic pigeons make a calm and prolonged cooing sound while they are trying to attract a female pigeon. This soft sound with slow body language is their medium of communication while mating.
Their cooing sound while mating is also a sign of affection and love towards their partner. Along with making such sounds, they also move their wings, enhance their throat and circle around their partner.
Often people wonder why they make this common cooing sound while mating. Usually, pigeons mate for their lifetime and so, they woo their only partner by making this sound.
How Does a Domestic Pigeon Behave?
Pigeons have been habituated to living with humans for centuries and so their behavior is often influenced by humans. As the domestic pigeons don’t need to look for food like the wild ones, they generally have a laid-back behavior and lifestyle.
Social Behavior
Domestic pigeons are more social than their other varieties as they usually spend their days in human surroundings. Besides, they like to live in flocks, make a community and enjoy spending time with other pigeons around them.
Territorial Behavior
Generally, domestic pigeons are rarely seen involved in territorial disputes as they often live under the same roof. But still, they sometimes create a small area with their close ones and show territorial aggression toward others.
Mating Behavior
The mating behavior of domestic pigeons is basically the same as their other varieties. When looking for a partner, the male pigeons make an elongated cooing sound and woo the female ones.
While mating, they bow their head and move their wings steadily.
Feeding Behavior
Usually, domestic pigeons like to be fed in flocks, but you can also give them food individually. Rarely, the dominant pigeons might attack others while individually feeding.
So, it is better to feed them in a group in order to avoid fights among them.
Taming Behavior
Domestic pigeons are probably the easiest birds to tame for humans. They can communicate with humans easily by understanding different facial expressions and voice tones.
So, you can easily interact and communicate with them by talking and playing.
What Does a Domestic Pigeon Eat?
As domestic pigeons are mostly raised in houses, they eat both natural and commercial foods. But the largest portion of their meals must include natural foods so that they keep healthy and fit.
But is there any special food for domestic pigeons? Generally, different seed mixes and grains are their favorite and these plant-based meal combinations are packed with nutrients that make a whole meal for them.
Along with plant matters, domestic pigeons also like to have small insects and worms. But you should give them such foods occasionally because these are not as healthy as their daily diet.
Natural Food
Domestic pigeons mostly depend on natural foods for their living. These foods are easily available and also provide them with all the necessary nutrients. Some common natural foods of domestic pigeons are –
- Seeds and grains (wheat, corn and millet)
- Juicy fruits and berries
- Green and leafy vegetables (Bok choy, parsley, broccoli, capsicum, and peas)
- Small insects (ants, earthworms and snails)
Commercial Food
Most commercial foods of domestic pigeons include different grain and seed mixes. These combinational food mixes contain cracked corn, sorghum, millet, and oats.
It is advised to avoid foods that contain sunflower seeds as they might be harmful to your pigeons.
Often, commercial foods also have brewer’s yeast, additional vitamins, and minerals to enhance the nutritional benefits of the meals.
You can also chop some fresh fruits and veggies along with the commercial foods to make the meal healthier and tastier. It will help to increase the appetite and food intake of your pigeons.
How Long Do Domestic Pigeons Live?
Actually, the lifespan of domestic pigeons depends on several factors, but mostly on human interference. Their quality of diet, housing facilities, and the availability of medical care primarily affect their lifespan.
Pigeons that live in forests and farmland, their lifespan is largely dependent on environmental conditions and natural predator attacks.
Irrespective of different breeds, a domestic pigeon generally can live up to 15 years. But, the average lifespan of these birds is mostly around 8 to 12 years.
Worldwide Geographic Distribution of Domestic Pigeons
Currently, domesticated pigeons are well spread around the world. Let’s get an idea of the geographic distribution of domestic pigeons across the globe.
Asia
Historical artifacts, as well as collected fossil records, strongly indicate that the origin of the common pigeon, also known as rock doves, was somewhere in Southern Asia.
The domestic pigeon breeds we see today are the descendants of this common pigeon. Among 300 pigeon breeds inhabiting the world, more than 50 of them are from Southeast Asia.
There are around 13 million pigeons in Egypt, which makes them the most pigeon-inhabited country. In this list, Egypt is followed by Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, both of which are Asian countries.
Some of Asia’s most popular pigeon breeds are Rock, silvery, green pigeons, etc.
Africa
Pigeons have cultural significance in some African societies. In some countries, for example, South Africa, pigeon racing is very popular. So, fanciers breed a variety of pigeons in different African regions.
Some of the most popular African breeds are speckled pigeon or African rock pigeon, African green pigeon, and Red-eyed dove.
Europe
Pigeons were widely appreciated in Europe from the ancient times to the 1900s. Also, a huge number of domestic pigeon breeds currently existing across the globe are native to Europe.
Breeding pigeons for developing their aerial acrobatic skills first started in Belgium back in the 1800s. Unfortunately, interest in pigeon breeding and raising is slowly declining in most regions of Europe.
France has the highest number of pigeons living in the country across Europe. Only a few countries, including Turkey, Belgium, and Cyprus, still appreciate pigeons and are still continuing the culture of breeding pigeons and enjoying pigeon shows.
The USA
Pigeons arrived in the new world (North America) after the Columbian exchange took place in the 1600s. After that, until the 1950s, pigeons were a crucial part of the US, especially in communication.
Nowadays, pigeons in the US are becoming less prevalent, especially in areas affected by urbanization. City people are becoming less interested in raising pigeons as well as pigeon shows.
Pigeons are mainly exhibited in the zoos in these urban areas. In the hilly and desert areas, wild pigeons are prevalent, but the number of domesticated pigeons is declining across the country.
Areas with No Pigeons
Pigeons are prevalent all around the world except for a few regions. There are no pigeons in these areas mainly because the areas are too hostile.
These areas include some of the coldest regions of Antarctica and the driest parts of the Sahara Desert. Note that some pigeons do have a certain level of tolerance for cold environments.
There are beautiful snow pigeons in the Himalayas, and many pigeon breeds live in hilly, dry areas. It’s the extremity of those places that don’t allow pigeons to sustain.
Why Are Domestic Pigeons Popular?
Domestic or homing pigeons were popular mostly for their utility as well as their cultural associations in ancient times. Nowadays, pigeons are popular for being pets, looking beautiful, and participating in pigeon shows.
Utility and Cultural Association
Historically, pigeons were used as messengers. So, a lot of events in history would’ve spanned out differently if pigeons were not involved.
They also have symbolic importance in various cultures and religions. In Christianity, the dove is often associated with the Holy Spirit and peace.
And In Hinduism, pigeons are considered sacred birds and are associated with deities like Krishna.
Pigeon Shows and Exhibitions
Some breeds of pigeons possess exceptionally charming characteristics and are mainly exhibited in different zoos and parks. People absolutely love to enjoy their elegance.
Besides that, pigeon shows are constantly occurring across the world at national and international levels. Many events come with exceptionally lucrative prizes. And so, the pigeons that participate must possess an incredible level of skills.
People enjoy these shows a lot. Some even travel to foreign countries to enjoy a show if the show possesses the quality.
Breeding and Maintenance Tips for Domestic Pigeons
If you’re struggling with your pigeon-raising hobby, the following tips can help you. Let’s take a look.
Maintain Cleanliness
Pigeons are going to make a mess in their lofts or cages pretty often. Make sure that the cages are kept clean and tidy on a regular basis. Dirty lofts will cause the spreading of diseases and parasites.
Provide Necessary Nutrients
What sort of feed your pigeon needs depends on why you’re raising the bird. If your birds are of a fancy breed or you’re breeding them just as a hobby, feeding them regular pigeon feed once a day would suffice.
Domestic pigeons fly and graze throughout the day and source their food. But if your pigeon is raised for specific activities like high flying or tumbling, they’ll need some extra source of nutrients in their feeds.
Don’t Raise Them Alone
Pigeons are highly social and interactive creatures. They thrive the most when raised as a group and can get too timid when raised alone. So, at least raise two or three pigeons together instead of one.
Train and Interact
Whether you’re a professional trainer or not, interacting with your pigeons daily is a crucial part of raising pigeons. Regular interaction helps to build trust and relationships between you and your pigeons.
This aspect becomes more important if you’re a trainer. Besides daily interaction, you should make your pigeons practice the desired skill to increase their resilience, stamina, and expertise.
Maintain Breeding Regulations
Pigeon breeding isn’t too complicated of a process, but there are some factors to keep in mind. During the breeding season, your pigeons will require more nutrition. So, ensure that they get the nutrients they regularly need.
Also, avoid overbreeding and inbreeding. Overbreeding will take the life force out of a pigeon, making it weak and prone to diseases. Inbreeding won’t affect the parent pigeons, but the newborn may face major genetic issues.
The Maintenance Cost of Domestic Pigeons
Generally, domestic pigeons from a breeder can cost you around $50 to $500 each, depending on the type of breed. These birds mostly depend on natural foods like seeds, grains, fruits, and vegetables that are cheap and also easily available.
With the initial setups, food, additional supplements, housing, and medical care for your domestic pigeons, the maintenance cost for each of them can be around $20-$50 per month.
Similar Birds of Domestic Pigeons
There are a bunch of birds around the world that might look like domestic pigeons.
Though they can’t be mixed up; still, there are still some similarities and shared features among them. Here, we have added a list of birds that are similar to domestic pigeons –
- African Collared Dove
- Beautiful Fruit Dove
- Caribbean Dove
- Cinnamon Ground Dove
- Diamond Dove
- White Crowned Pigeon
- Zebra Dove
- White-tipped Dove
- Spotted Dove
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has provided you with all the necessary information about domestic pigeons so that you can understand them better and raise them well by fulfilling all their needs.