PIGEONS and DOVES
Bird     -     Vertebrate     -      Herbivore
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FERAL PIGEON
Male:  Cock
Female:  Hen
Young:  Squab, Squeaker
PIGEONS and DOVES
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There are as many as 28 different colour types.
  • Pigeons originated several million years ago in Asia.
  • Images of pigeons were found by Archaeologist in Mesopotamia (Iraq) dated back to 3,000BC.
  • Are of the same family as doves.
  • The first Biblical reference to pigeons is in the Noah and the Dove of Peace and later in the New Testament where the Dove descended as the Holy Spirit at the baptism of Jesus.
  • Are very resourceful.
  • Many are kept and raised in captivity.
  • Flock together in large numbers to protect against cats, foxes and rats.
  • Are closely related to doves and were once called 'rock doves'.
  • Eat seeds and grains, predominantly, but will eat most things.
  • Often nest on building ledges.
  • Hear at a low frequency, so they can hear the wind, distant thunderstorms and volcanoes.
  • Suck up water, using its beak like a straw.
  • It is a misconception that they spread disease so there is little or no health risk from pigeons.
  • Pigeon guano is a great fertiliser.
  • Pigeons pair for life.
  • Young pigeons remain in their nests for up to 2 months before fledging.
  • Newly hatched pigeons produce 'pigeon milk' regurgitated from both parents' throats.
  • Have excellent eyesight.
  • Have excellent navigational abilities.
  • Over a distance of about a mile, a carrier pigeon is faster than a fax machine.
  • Modern homing pigeons find it more convenient to follow motorways and ring roads and turn left and right at junctions, rather than using their in-built navigational abilities.
  • Pigeons' bones weigh less than their feathers.
  • ​Pigeons have been war heroes - in both the First and Second World Wars, saving hundreds of lives by carrying messages across enemy lines.
  • In Roman times, the pigeon was used to carry results of sporting events which is why white doves are released at the beginning of the Olympic Games.
  • Many religious groups - Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, for instance - feed pigeons for religious reasons.  
  • ​Pigeons are revered in India which huge flocks (numbering many thousands) are fed daily at Hindu Temples.
  • The pigeon is one of the most intelligent of the bird species - http://www.pigeonclubsusa.com/faircount_facts_info_pigeonfacts.htm
  • Reuters (the news agency) started its European business by using trained homing pigeons.  The service started in 1840 with 45 pigeons carrying the latest news and stock prices from Germany to Belgium.
  • Man is the biggest danger to pigeons, next to the Peregrin Falcon.
  • A pigeon can recognise itself in a mirror.
  • A pigeon can recognise all the letters of the English alphabet.
  • A pigeon can differentiate between human beings - even in a photograph.
  • Can tell the difference between the paintings of Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet!
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http://www.urbanwildlifesociety.org/UWS/GeeWhizQuizAnswers.htm
http://www.acm.org/ubiquity/views/v6i42_kak.html
http://www.pigeoncontrolresourcecentre.org/html/amazing-pigeon-facts.html
War Heroes
The PDSA Dickin Medal for Gallantry

The medal was awarded 54 times between 1943 and 1949 – to 32 pigeons, 18 dogs, three horses, and one cat – to acknowledge actions of gallantry or devotion during the Second World War and subsequent conflicts.
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Visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dickin_Medal

​TIPPLERS
The Tippler is a breed of domestic pigeon bred to participate in endurance competitions.  They are very intelligent birds and can be trained to fly long hours and drop only when the trainer asks them to.  Flights of up to 22 hours (non-stop) have been reported.

TUMBLERS
Tumbler pigeons are varieties of domesticated pigeons descendant from the Rock Dove that have been selected for their ability to tumble or roll over backwards in flight.

ROLLERS
A Roller pigeon is a domesticated breed or variety of pigeon that has been selected for its ability to tumble or roll in the air
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WHITE-CROWNED PIGEON
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TURTLE DOVES
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INDIAN FANTAIL PIGEON
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CARRIER PIGEON