Pigeons

Domesticated and feral populations are found in cities worldwide. The wild Rock Dove, from which they are descended, originated in the sea cliffs and mountains of Europe, North Africa, and western Asia.

Dark Red = Native Range
Light Red = Introduced Populations
Source: Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Granivorous (seed-eaters) that also consume greens.

• Wild: Seeds, grains, berries, and insects.
• Zoo: Pigeon grain mix, pellets, and grit.

• Wild: 3 – 5 years
• Captivity: 15 years

• Mirror Test: Pigeons are one of the few animal species capable of recognizing themselves in a mirror.
• Suction Drinking: Unlike most birds that must tilt their heads back to swallow water, pigeons can suck water up continuously.
• Homing: They can find their way home from 1,300 miles away using magnetoreception.