Also called the rock pigeon and rock dove, Columba livia is a member of the Columbidae family. Columba livia is additionally referred to as the common pigeon and is distributed on almost every continent. The pigeon (Columba livia domestica) may be a descendant of this species.
Columba livia consists of a pale grey plumage with two distinct black bars which can be seen across each wing. The pigeon sports dark greyish-blue head with a purplish iridescence extending right down to its neck and wings. The beak is greyish-black with a white, fleshy covering at the bottom of the upper beak called the cere.
Adults have a wingspan of 24-28 inches and a body length of 11-15 inches. Wild rock doves usually weigh between 238-380 grams, though domestic and semi-domestic individuals can easily exceed the average weight.
Orange, yellow and red iris with a pale, inner ring is the kind of eyes colour these species have. The eyelids are orange and encapsulated during a white-grey eye-ring. Around the eyes, the skin is bare.
Facts About Pigeons
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Pigeons are known to be very complex and intelligent.
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Pigeons can be called smart too as they are one and only creature who can recognize themselves in a mirror and pass the Self Recognition Test.
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Pigeons also have an outstanding sense of navigation. They use a set range of skills for navigation, for example- using the sun as a guide and an internal magnetic compass.
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Pigeons are known to be the most social animals, as they are seen in flocks most of the time.
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Pigeons have excellent hearing ability. They can detect at much far lower frequencies also than humans.
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It is believed that pigeons and humans lived at close proximity to each, that is 1000 years.
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Pigeons are known to be wonderful couples as they share equal responsibilities when it comes to raising and caring for their young ones.
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Despite getting dirty environments many times, pigeons are known to be very hygienic in their habits if compared to other animals and birds.