The feral pigeon is descended from
the rock dove and is well adapted
to life in an urban environment.
The dependence of the feral pigeon
on man for food has led to it becoming
a serious pest.
Description
The bird is about 33 cms long and weighs
on average 330g. There is a wide variation
in the colour of the plumage. This species
has no readily distinguished distress call.
Breeding
Both old and modern buildings contain
large numbers of ledges, girders and gaps
which can be used by feral pigeons as nesting
sites. Large numbers of nests are often
found inside lofts of houses and commercial
premises.
If conditions favourable the birds will
breed throughout the year, but the main
period is March - July. 2 white eggs are
laid and are incubated by both sexes for
17-19 days. Young birds are independent
at 30-37 days and 4-7 broods may be reared
in a year.
Feeding
Many pigeons in town centres are regularly
fed by members of the public. They feed
in flocks and tend to rely on food scraps
and spillage ni town centres and at food
premises. Each bird eats about 80g per day.
Social structure
Each flock of feral pigeons occupies a
distinct territory which includes feeding,
roosting and perching sites and nesting
areas. The flock is in balance with the
availability of food and breeding sites
within the territory.
Within a flock there is a distinct order.
The dominant birds feed first. Lower ranking
birds are under more pressure to find food
and harbourage. Birds are removed from a
flock. Competition is reduced and the vacuum
created makes the area more attractive to
lower ranking birds from adjacent flocks
where competition is more intense.
