BIOLOGY - PIGEON
Appearance
Considerable variation from white to black. Weight 250 to 350g
Breeding
When
Generally March to July. All year if conditions favourable. 4-7 broods per year
Where
Sheltered place e.g. side alley, bridge, derelict building
Nest
Crude, variety of materials e.g. wire, cable ties.
Eggs
2, white, ♂ & ♀ incubate
Rate
17-19 days incubation
Squabs initially fed on protein rich secretion then regurgitated pre-digested food
Independent 30-37 days
Can breed at 6 months
More eggs can be laid before previous young leave nest
Feeding
50g food/day
12Kg droppings/yr
Efficient at finding food (initial caution at new site)
Spillage
Feeding by public
Farms spring sowing
Farms autumn stubble
Flocking / Behaviour
Flock size 50-400 birds depending on available food
Each flock distinct territory
Some interchange between neighbouring flocks
Not necessarily same group to roost
Home range 1.7 sq miles
Can commute long distances to feed
Dominant birds get:
- best mate
- best food
- best breeding site
Evolution
Descended from Rock Dove
Adapted well to urban environment
Now serious pest world over
