Pigeon

Pigeons are birds in the family Columbidae, which also includes doves; the term usually refers to larger members of this group.

Pigeons are birds in the family Columbidae, which also includes doves. The term usually refers to larger members of this group. The best-known species is the rock pigeon (Columba livia), the ancestor of many feral city pigeons worldwide, and Columbidae includes more than 300 species with a global distribution.

Taxonomy

Pigeons are members of the bird family Columbidae in the order Columbiformes. In common usage, the term 'pigeon' often refers to larger species, while 'dove' is often used for smaller ones, though the distinction is not strict.

Species and distribution

Columbidae contains more than 300 species found across the world. Species occur in a broad range of environments, including forests, cities, mountains, deserts, and coastal regions.

Rock pigeon and feral populations

The rock pigeon (Columba livia) is the species most associated with urban environments and is the ancestor of feral pigeons found in many cities. It is widely distributed and considered of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Pigeons, especially feral rock pigeons, are common in many Canadian cities and are familiar urban birds to Canadian readers.

Behaviour and ecology

Pigeons are generally ground-foraging birds that feed on seeds and other plant material, though urban birds may also use human food sources. Many species are social and form flocks.