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Pigeons
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Introduced into North America from Europe long ago, these birds have been associated with humans for thousands of years.
Rock Doves are thought to have been the first domesticated bird, raised for meat as far back as the time of the ancient Egyptians.
Description
These birds are variable in color. This is due to breeding by humans.These birds are decendants of the wild Rock Dove of Europe.
About 13 inches in length with a dark gray head, iridescent neck, with a light gray back and 2 dark wing bars.
Mating Habits
These birds are monogamous, pairs often will breed in consecutive seasons for as long as both birds of a pair live.Most will attempt to raise several broods each year. Sometimes as many as four or five broods will be raised in a single year.
Nesting Habits
The nesting habits of these birds are a bit unique. The male chooses a site in view of the female, selecting one stick and bringing it back, lays it in front of his mate.The female who stays at the nesting site
The nest of the these birds can be found along building ledges, rafters, beams, and under bridges or inside barns.
The nest is saucerlike in shape and made of stems, and leaves.
The female may sit on the nest a day or two before the first egg is laid. Generally 2 white eggs are laid. Both the male and female will incubate the eggs although the female does the incubation during the night.
Incubation last for about 18 days and the young will leave the nest in 25 to 29 days after hatching.
Initally, the young are fed "pigeon milk" (regurgitated food from the parents crops). Over a 10 day period the young are fed increasing amounts of solid food such as catapillars.
Feeding Habits
Pigeons feed on the ground and can be attracted to platform feeders. Offering crumbs, cracked corn and other grain seeds will attract these birds.
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