Facts
Pigeons are among the oldest domesticated birds, and the feral pigeons found in cities descend from the rock dove. This section answers common questions about where pigeons come from, what a male, female, baby or group is called, how their bodies work and why their neck feathers shimmer green and purple. It also covers conservation status, symbolism and the ethics of dove releases.
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Facts
Pigeon Terminology: What Do You Call a Male, Female, Baby or Group of Pigeons?
A male pigeon is called a cock, a female is a hen and a baby pigeon is a squab. A group of pigeons is usually called a flock;…
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Facts
Pigeon Anatomy: Crop, Gizzard, Ears, Eyes and Body
Interactive pigeon anatomy Pigeon anatomy centres on a seed-eater’s gut and a strong flyer’s frame. Birds have no teeth: seed is stored in a bilobed crop, then ground…
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Why Do Pigeons Have Green and Purple Necks? Iridescent Feathers
Pigeons have green and purple necks because of structural colour, not pigment. Each barbule on a neck feather has a thin keratin layer over a darker core, and…
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Are Pigeons Endangered? The Full Facts
Most pigeons are not endangered, but some of the more than 300 species of pigeons and doves are. The IUCN (opens in new tab) currently lists 13 pigeon…
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Pigeons Whistles Explained
Pigeon whistles are a small device that is attached to a pigeon that emits a whistling noise while the bird is in flight. Best known from China, they…
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Do Pigeons Have Tongues?
Pigeons have a narrow, pointed tongue, sometimes called a piston tongue because of the way it works when they drink. Its main function is to help them drink…
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Are Wood Pigeons Protected?
The common wood pigeon does not live wild in the USA. In the UK, wood pigeons are protected like other wild birds, but they can be controlled as…
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The Ancient Art of Egypt’s Pigeon Towers
Pigeon towers are what we typically call dovecotes. They are called towers because of their height and round shape (mostly). Although rare nowadays, there are some that have…
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Dove Releases: Are They Cruel? Is It Ethical?
Dove releases, the ceremonial release of usually white doves at weddings, funerals and other events, are hard to justify ethically. Release doves are often attacked by predators on…
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Facts
What Do Pigeons Do For The Environment?
Pigeons help the environment mainly as seed dispersers, especially the fruit-eating species of tropical forests, and as food for predators higher up the food chain. Their environmental impact…
