Fun Facts About Pigeons

• The Rock Pigeon, known until recently as the Rock Dove or just plain pigeon, is a member of the family Columbidae which includes all of the species of pigeons and doves.
• The Rock Pigeon is believed to have been the first bird to be domesticated by man. Evidence suggests that people were raising them for food in the Middle East as early as 4500 B.C.
• The domesticated Rock Pigeon was introduced to North America in the early 17th century (1603 – 1607) having escaped from the Atlantic Coast settlers who brought them from Europe.
• Ironically the Rock Pigeon, also known as homing pigeon, is a non-migratory species. It is speculated that it developed its amazing homing abilities due to the long distances it may travel, to and from its roost, each day in search of food.
• It is believed that homing Pigeons use the sun and/or the earth’s magnetic field to navigate their way back to their roost.
• In one study, homing pigeons were recorded to fly at an average speed of 43 mph for seven hours over a distance of more than 300 miles. Their top recorded flight speed was clocked at over 80 mph.
• The flight muscles of Rock Pigeons make up over 30% of their body weight.
• Male and female Rock Pigeons split their incubation duties, with the male taking the daytime shift, and the female incubating overnight.
• Both Rock Pigeon parents feed their young on “crop milk,” a yogurt-like secretion produced by the walls of their crop. On the fifth day the parents begin to mix seed into the feedings, and by the tenth day the squabs are fed the same diet as the parents.