John Lewis
With their snowy plumage and red eyes, white pigeons have a very distinctive appearance unlike their grey-toned rock dove cousins. White pigeons exhibit a range of physical traits selectively bred into domestic stocks to produce an elegant, decorative bird. Read on to learn more about the unique physical features and visual qualities of the white … Read more
With their stout bodies and adaptability to urban environments, pigeons have thrived alongside humans for thousands of years. But what are the longevity and life span characteristics of these resourceful birds? They can live surprisingly long lives of 15-30 years given adequate food, shelter, and protection from predators. However, the average lifespan of a feral … Read more
The tradition of setting free white doves has gained popularity at events like weddings, funerals, memorials, and celebrations. This symbolic gesture embodies notions of hope, peace, and fresh starts, lifting the spirits as one envisions aspirations taking flight. Discover the origins, symbolism, logistics, and profound meaning behind this poignant tradition of setting these graceful birds … Read more
Pigeons are able to achieve impressively fast flight speeds that may surprise many people. When racing or migrating, pigeons can sustain rapid airspeeds for long durations that allow them to cover hundreds of miles in a day. Their specialized wings and streamlined bodies are adapted for achieving maximum velocity and efficiency in the air. Read … Read more
At a glance, white doves and white pigeons appear quite similar. However, there are important distinctions between these two bird species in terms of taxonomy, physiology, behavior, habitat and symbolism. Read on to learn how white doves and white pigeons differ to gain a better understanding and appreciation of these misunderstood birds. Taxonomy and Genetics … Read more
With their soft coos and gentle demeanor, doves make appealing backyard visitors. Doves build flimsy platform nests in trees or on manmade structures to lay and incubate their small clutches of eggs. But how many eggs does a dove lay at one time? The number of eggs can vary based on species, age, season, and … Read more
With its soft cooing calls and slim silhouette, the mourning dove is a familiar backyard bird across much of North America. But what exactly do these understated doves eat to sustain themselves throughout the year? Mourning doves have a diverse diet that fluctuates based on seasonal availability. By understanding mourning dove feeding ecology, we can … Read more
Pigeons have an impressive and mysterious ability to find their way home over extremely long distances. Even when released hundreds of miles away, pigeons can still navigate back to their loft with astonishing accuracy. So how do these urban birds have such an uncanny sense of direction and location? Pigeon Navigation Systems Pigeons rely on … Read more
The passenger pigeons were once North America’s most populous bird, numbering over billions. However, by 1914, the species was completely extinct in the wild. The shocking demise of the passenger pigeon is one of the most dramatic examples of human-caused extinction. In this page, we will explore the natural history of the passenger pigeon and … Read more
Pigeon sitting reveals a simple behavior – the birds are relaxing, not exhibiting any kind of strange phenomenon. When sitting, they are likely feeling calm, conserving energy, and taking in their surroundings. Their posture and habits have logical explanations. Why Do Pigeons Sit So Often? They have several key reasons for these: Common Pigeon Sitting … Read more