Columba livia
The Rock Dove is the familiar pigeon of our cities and farms. It only occurs in heavily developed or modified areas of the Rockies, such as towns, cities, agricultural areas and railway yards, where it can be extremely common. The Rock Dove was introduced to North America in the 17th century. It was likely initially domesticated from Eurasian birds in about 4500 bc, as a source of meat. Since that time, Rock Doves have also been used by humans as message couriers-both Caesar and Napoleon used them-and as scientific subjects. Much of our understanding of bird migration, endocrinology, sensory perception, flight and other avian traits, is derived from experiments involving Rock Doves. No other 'wild' bird varies as much in coloration as the Rock Dove-possibly a result of semi-domestication and inbreeding. |
I.D.: Sexes similar: color is highly variable (iridescent blue-gray, red, white or tan); usually has a white rump and orange feet; dark-tipped tail. In flight: holds its wings in a deep V while gliding. Size: L 12-13 in. (31-33 cm); male is usually larger. Range: locally very common throughout the Rockies. Habitat: urban areas, railway yards, agricultural areas and grain terminals up to the montane. Nesting: on ledges of barns, cliffs, bridges, buildings and towers; flimsy nest is made of sticks, grass and assorted vegetation; pair incubates 2 eggs for about 18 days. Feeding: gleans the ground for waste grain, seeds and fruits; occasionally eats insects. Voice: soft, cooing coorrr-coorrr-coorrr. Similar Species: Band-tailed Pigeon: dark rump; gray band on the tail; yellow feet; white band on the nape. |
