A very clever bird that comes from the pigeon family. In the past they were used to transport letters, now couriers do it for them. More and more often we can meet pigeons in backyards. Usually they are professional breeders who train them and let them fly on various flights not only in our country but also on international flights of these birds.
Pigeon Coloring Pages
Information
- Family: Pigeons belong to the pigeon family (Columbidae).
- Occurrence: They are cosmopolitan birds, which means they can be found on almost every continent, from urban areas to wild forests.
- Appearance: They have a rounded body, short neck, short legs and broad wings. Most species have bright plumage, although there are also pigeons with more colorful feathers.
- Diet: Pigeons mainly feed on seeds, fruits and plants, although some species may eat small invertebrates.
- Reproduction: Pigeons are known for their strong attachment to their mate, with whom they often remain for life. Many species build simple nests in trees, buildings or on the ground. The female usually lays one or two eggs.
- Communications: They are known for their distinctive cooing, which is a form of communication between individuals, especially during courtship.
- Human activities: Pigeons were domesticated by humans thousands of years ago and have long been used for a variety of purposes, from bringing messages to sports (such as pigeon racing).
- Cultural significance: In many cultures, pigeons are a symbol of peace, love and innocence. White doves are often thought to bring good luck or blessings.
- Adaptation to the city: Urban pigeons are among the most recognizable birds in the urban landscape. They are perfectly adapted to living in an urban environment and often enjoy the leftover food left by people.
- Threats: Although many species of pigeons are common and well-adapted to living side by side with humans, some wild species are endangered due to habitat loss, hunting and the introduction of alien species.
Trivia
- Homing pigeons: Pigeons have been used as "mail carriers" for thousands of years. In the days before the invention of the telephone or telegraph, pigeons carried messages over long distances, and their ability to return to their nest was invaluable in delivering messages.
- Excellent navigation: Research has shown that pigeons use a variety of navigation methods, including the sun, stars, the Earth's magnetic lines and scents, to find their way back home from great distances.
- Monogamy: Most pigeon species are monogamous and form pairs for life. Partners often sit together, cleaning each other's feathers and sharing care of the young.
- Production of "milk": Pigeons are one of the few birds that produce something similar to milk, known as "pigeon milk." It is a protein- and fat-rich substance that parents feed to their chicks.
- Great diversity: There are more than 300 species of pigeons around the world, from urban pigeons to fruit pigeons from the tropics.
- Famous pigeons: One of the most famous pigeons in history was a pigeon named Cher Ami, who delivered an important message during World War I and saved the lives of many soldiers.
- Pigeons in religion: In Christianity, the dove is often used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, and in many cultures the dove is a symbol of peace and harmony.
- UV vision: Pigeons have the ability to see in the ultraviolet (UV) range, which helps them navigate and can also help them find food.
- Pigeons in research: Pigeons have been an important research model in psychology and neuroscience. Research on pigeons was done by the famous psychologist B.F. Skinner, among others, studying operant conditioning.
- Population reduction: Although urban pigeons are common in many cities around the world, their population is declining in some areas. One reason for this is pollution, but also human actions, such as destroying their nesting sites and using deterrents.