Pigeon

Distribution: Cosmopolitan

Wingspan: 64‒72 cm

Weight: 238-380 g

Average lifespan: 6 years

Diet: Herbivore

Social life: Gregarious

IUCN red list status: Least Concern



Pigeons have a light grey plumage on its back, a dark gray head, neck and chest and have two long black bars on its wings. The bird’s neck has shiny feathers that vary from green to violet.

This bird is widespread around the world. It is possible to find them in grasslands, rocky seaside cliffs, close to agriculture fields or even in cities. They can survive in large exposed areas and are very tolerant to big variations of cold and heat.

Female and male pigeons mate for life and this pairs can be formed at any time during the year. Females lay 2 eggs per season (average) and it is the male that builds the nest with sticks and debris.

Using the earth’s magnetic fields, pigeons have the ability to navigate across large distances even when blindfolded. Pigeons are, generally, seen running or walking around on the floor looking for food with their heads moving forward and backwards.

Pigeons eat mainly seeds and, generally, feed in the morning or in the afternoon. In cities it is normal to see feral pigeons eating different kinds of food, bread, cake, etc.