Pigeon | Facts, Size and Appearance, Diet & Reproduction
Pigeon (Columbidae) are a family of birds containing about 350 species worldwide. These are generally birds of peaceful nature. The most common type of pigeon is the domestic pigeon, also known as the wild pigeon. Domestic pigeons are descendants of the wild rock pigeon, which is native to Europe and Asia. Feral pigeons are found in cities around the world, where they live on food and handouts left by people. Pigeons play an important role in the environment. Pigeons are known for their intelligence and homing ability.
Pigeons have been used as messenger birds for centuries. In olden times, when there was no medium of communication, messages were sent through this pigeon. Pigeons are also popular as racing birds and show birds. Pigeons can fly to a height of more than 5000 feet and their flying speed is more than 60 to 70 kilometers per hour. Pigeons are often kept as domestic animals in cities, but they are actually beneficial birds. Pigeons are also a popular food source for many people around the world. Its meat is also sold in the markets. Its function is to spread seeds and help in pollinating plants. Pigeons are also preyed upon by a variety of predators, including hawks, owls, cats, and foxes.
Size and Appearance
These birds are strong bodied birds with short necks and small thin beaks. Their length is 30 to 35 cm and height is 25 to 30 cm and their weight is approximately 250 to 350 grams. Their feet have three long toes at the front and one short toe at the back. These feet are in many colors. But it is mostly white and gray in color
Diet
Pigeons are generally seed eaters, but they also eat fruits and plants. This bird mainly likes to eat wheat, rice, maize, millet and pulses among the grains and eats food with the help of its beak.
Reproduction
The breeding time of pigeon is in spring and summer only. Female pigeon lays two to three eggs at a time. After laying the eggs, the chicks come out of the egg in 18 to 20 days and it takes about 30 days to grow up. The age of pigeon is 15 to 20 years and in the wild it is 5 to 7 years.