"Pigeons are dumb.
"They poop on people's heads."
"They smell."
That's what some people say about pigeons. In fact, that's what a lot of people say about these birds. But did you ever notice that pigeons come in so many colors and feather patterns? Did you ever notice their shiny, rainbow-like neck feathers or their red feet? Did you ever notice the interesting way that pigeons coo and strut?
The fact is, pigeons are special. They are special because there is such variety in the way they look. Blue Jays all look very much alike, and so do robins and cardinals. But find a flock of pigeons and you will see white ones and gray ones. You will see pigeons with blue-gray feathers and pigeons with red feathers. You will see solid-colored pigeons and speckled pigeons. Look long enough and you will be able to tell them apart, give them names, and get to know their habits.
Pigeons are special because they can fly very fast. In fact, some can fly 50 miles per hour! Pigeons also have very strong "homing instincts" that help them find their way back from far away. Pigeons make great pets, too. Many people build little houses called "coops" for pigeons in their backyards or on rooftops. They let their pet pigeons fly free because, unlike canaries or parrots, pigeons will come back home.
There is one other thing that is special about pigeons. This is the fact that bird scientists know less about city pigeons than they do about many other wild birds. It is surprising that such a common bird is such a mystery. But because they are everywhere, scientists seem to have overlooked them.
Only recently did many scientists realize how interesting pigeons are. They have many questions about them. For example, they want to know why pigeons come in so many colors. They want to know how pigeons choose their mates. These questions are important because the answers will tell us not only about pigeons but about birds in general. The answers also will help us learn more about other wildlife, about our land and skies, and about ourselves as "human animals."
To answer these questions, bird scientists have designed a research project called Project PigeonWatch. People just like you from all over the world are involved in it. These participants are called PigeonWatchers. PigeonWatchers collect information on their pigeons in their cities. Then they send that information to the scientists, who enter it into computers. They print out maps that show the information by location. These maps show how pigeons are alike and different from place to place.
Project PigeonWatch could not happen without hundreds of "citizen scientists" like you who collect information from so many different places. Taking part in Project PigeonWatch is important, but it is also easy and fun. Interested in becoming a PigeonWatcher? Read on!
How big are pigeons?
From bill to tail, the average pigeon is about 13 inches. Males are bigger than females. The average pigeon weighs a little less than a pound.
Do pigeons come in more than seven color morphs?
Yes! There may be as many as 28 different color morphs. Project PigeonWatch only uses seven of the most common morphs, to make counting easier.
What color are pigeon eyes?
Adult pigeons have orange or red-orange eyes. Young pigeons under eight months old have brown or gray-brown eyes.
What color are pigeon legs and feet?
Many pigeons have red legs and feet but the color can range from pink to gray-black. Their claws are usually gray-black. On red or white pigeons, the claws are sometimes white. Some pigeons wear "stockings," which are feathers that cover their legs and feet.
How well do pigeons see?
Pigeons have very good eyes. They can see colors. They also can see ultraviolet light, which human beings cannot see.
What do pigeons eat?
Just about anything! Pigeons are not fussy eaters. They have only 37 taste buds, while you have 9,000.
How do pigeons drink?
Pigeons suck up water by using their beaks like straws. This is different from most birds. Most birds take sips of water and then throw their heads back to let the water trickle down their throats.
What sounds do pigeons make?
Pigeons make lots of different sounds. Their main sound is used by males to attract mates or defend their territories: coo roo-c'too-coo. The call they make from their nest is oh-oo-oor. A pigeon call of alarm is oorhh! Baby pigeons make sounds by snapping their beaks or hissing. After mating, male birds make loud noises by clapping their wings together.
How do pigeons raise their babies?
Pigeons make nests of small twigs or stems which the males bring to the females one piece at a time. The nests are usually well-hidden, such as on high ledges, under bridges, or in empty buildings. Pigeons usually lay two white eggs. The parents take turns keeping the eggs warm. Males usually stay on the nest during the day and the females stay on the nest at night. Eggs take about 18 days to hatch. Both parents produce a special milk which they feed, beak to beak, to their young during the first week. Scientists think that once pigeons mate, they stay together for life.
Do pigeons have any enemies?
Hawks and other large animal-eating birds (birds of prey) catch and eat pigeons. The Peregrine Falcon is a bird of prey that lives in some cities and feeds on pigeons. In many cities, however, pigeons have no enemies.
How fast and far can pigeons fly?
Pigeons can fly 40 to 50 miles per hour. Most city pigeons stay close to home, flying less than 12 miles in a day. However, their wing muscles are strong and they can fly much further if necessary. Some pigeons have traveled 600 miles in a day!
How long do pigeons live?
Pigeons can live about five years in the wild. They sometimes live for more than 15 years when raised by people.
