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Feral Pigeon
Columba Livia
Appearance
- Approximately 33cm long and weighs about 350g on average.
- Its plumage can vary from grey, blue, chequered too almost pure black.
- The cock bird is usually bigger and stronger than the hen and has larger wattles.
Habitat
- They have adapted to the roosts and nesting sites provided by buildings and other structures and are present throughout Britain.
- Nests are built in or on buildings, bridges, ledges or hollows such as gutters. Grass, twigs, feathers and scraps such as pieces of wire are used in their usually flimsy nests.
- Feral pigeons rely mainly on spillage and scraps left by the public.
Lifecycle
- Breeding can occur throughout the year, but the peak occurs between March and July.
- After a succession of broods, the nests may become well defined.
- Feral pigeons have a lifespan of only three to five years.
- Feral pigeons tend to live longer in areas where there are fewer humans, such as farms or suburbs, rather than cities.
- While not all feral pigeons’ nest in winter, around 25% do and a pair can produce up to five clutches of young each year. Each clutch usually consists of two eggs.
- Feral pigeons are widely considered pests and are known to act as reservoirs and vectors of multiple human and livestock diseases.