Backyard Birds of the week

Let’s talk about Pigeons.

They are everywhere, and most people consider them a nuisance. Honestly, I’m one of them. They come into our back yard, eat all the seed I put out for other birds, and then moments later seemingly startle and suddenly fly away, scaring all the smaller birds in the process. In fact, they are considered such a nuisance that the city code, Chapter 91.25, titled “Feral Pigeons” prohibits intentionally feeding them (among other things).

Pigeons, or more formally the Rock Pigeon, is native to an area from Europe to Africa. The Rock Pigeon was introduced to North America in the early 17th century. They have been domesticated, and some even trained to deliver messages, race other pigeons, and even to find their way to a specific home (aka “Homing Pigeons”). They’re fairly intelligent, even though they don’t seem so at first glance. They’re also remarkably varied in their coloring and pattern, with some nearly completely dark and some brilliantly colored.

Feral pigeons generally live in cities and suburbs. In suburbs and cities they feed mostly on seeds. When pigeons are found in cities they will be seen feeding on the snack waste humans leave behind, such as popcorn and bread. When they’re away from these areas they feed on wild grains, grasses, berries, and other plants. They might even eat worms or insects.

These birds are thought to mate for life. The male courts a female by spreading its feathers out, puffing up his chest, and cooing while he bows in the direction of his desired mate. Once mated, the male will bring the female nesting material, which she’ll use to fashion a platform on a ledge, in a rain gutter, or another type of ledge on a man-made building.

Pigeons procreate quite a bit, with up to 5 broods of young per year. They only lay one or two eggs each time, with each brood taking nearly a month to mature to independence.

So, while they’re certainly a nuisance, Pigeons are really quite fascinating. I just wish they would refrain from pooping on the bricks and eating all the seed.