Pigeons are a common sight in cities and towns around the world. While most urban pigeons are feral rock doves descended from domestic breeds, there are some distinguishing features that can help identify a true domestic pigeon. Domestic pigeons are the same species as feral pigeons, Columba livia, but have been selectively bred for various traits.
Some key questions to ask when trying to identify a domestic pigeon include:
– What coloration does it have? Domestic pigeons have a wider variety of color patterns compared to wild rock doves.
– What is the body shape and size? Domestic pigeons tend to be larger and bulkier than rock doves.
– Does it have any distinguishing markings? Decorative feather patterns and crests are seen mostly in domestic breeds.
– Does it have a leg band? Pigeons kept as pets or living in dovecotes are often banded for identification.
– Is the pigeon comfortable around people? Domestic pigeons are quite docile compared to feral ones.
Plumage Coloration and Patterns
One of the easiest ways to identify a domestic pigeon is by its plumage. Through selective breeding, domestic pigeons come in a rainbow of colors and patterns not seen in wild rock doves.
Rock doves are generally limited to shades of gray, black, brown, or white. Domestic pigeons can have plumage in reds, yellows, oranges, greens, blues, purples, and more. They also exhibit a wider range of markings like spots, bars, and checkerboard patterns.
Some distinctive domestic pigeon plumage types include:
– Self pigeons: Solid coloration without markings. Examples are blue checkers and yellow barless.
– Barred pigeons: Vertical stripes or bars across the wings and horizontal bars on the tail. Common colors are black, red, yellow, and white.
– Checkered pigeons: Checkerboard pattern of black, white, red, or blue across the wings.
– Tailed pigeons: Markings concentrated on tail feathers such as the Indian fantail.
– Pied pigeons: Irregular patches of color like the English pied.
– Grizzled pigeons: Mix of light and dark feathers giving a “grizzled” look.
Body Size and Shape
In addition to color, the body morphology of a pigeon can indicate domestic ancestry. Selective breeding has produced pigeons with both larger and smaller body types.
| Trait | Domestic Pigeon | Rock Dove |
|---|---|---|
| Body Size | Larger and bulkier | Slimmer build |
| Chest | Full, rounded chest | Narrow chest |
| Legs | Short, thickset legs | Longer, slender legs |
Domestic pigeons tend to have a larger, heavier build compared to leaner feral pigeons. Broad chests, short legs, and a rotund body shape are good indicators of domestic ancestry.
Some domestic breeds have characteristic body shapes such as:
– Pouters: Inflate their crop to expand their chest.
– Fantails: Broad fan-shaped tail feathers.
– Frillbacks: Curl their wing feathers upward.
– Trumpeters: Feathery “muffs” on their feet.
Special Markings
Artificial selection has led to pigeons bearing decorative markings not found in wild populations. Unique crests, plumage, and feather modifications can help confirm domesticity.
Watch for these special features:
– Head crests: A fan or mane of feathers on the head as seen in crested breeds.
– Beak decorations: Feathering around the beak base called a “muff.”
– Frills and feathers: Extra feathers on legs and wing joints of certain breeds.
– Enlarged crops: Selectively bred for inflating the crop or gullet.
– Reverse feathers: Feathers grow in the opposite direction in pouter pigeons.
– Feathered feet: Tufts of feathers between the toes rather than scales.
Bands on Legs
The presence of a small metal or plastic band on a pigeon’s leg is a clear sign it is a domestic bird. Leg bands are commonly placed on racing homers and other domestic pigeons kept by breeders and pigeon fanciers.
The band will include a unique serial number or the owner’s contact information. Capturing the pigeon to read the band number is the best way to track down its owner and breeding origins. Even if the band details are worn, a band by itself indicates domestic status.
Behavior
Compared to wary feral pigeons, domestic breeds are quite docile and comfortable around humans. They may allow people to approach closely or even be handled.
Other behavioral cues that suggest a domestic pigeon include:
– Walking on the ground near people looking for handouts.
– Perching on buildings unafraid of human presence.
– Displaying tame behavior and lack of aggression towards people.
– Remaining immobile when approached instead of fleeing.
– Showing little fear and readily eating from the hand.
The tame behavior of lost racing or show pigeons makes them vulnerable to predators. But it can help identify them as domestic to someone trying to catch and rescue the bird.
Conclusion
Identifying a pigeon as domestic versus wild involves looking at multiple characteristics including plumage, size and shape, markings, bands, and behavior. Domestic pigeons will exhibit more vivid feather colors, larger bodies, unique crests and features, leg bands, and comfort around humans.
With feral pigeon populations soaring globally, there is frequent interbreeding between rock doves and escaped domestic breeds. This can result in hybrid pigeons showing some domestic traits mixed with wild-type features. Comparing multiple characteristics is needed to be reasonably sure a pigeon is a domestic versus a rock dove or hybrid.
Being able to recognize domestic pigeons is important for reuniting lost pet birds with their owners. It can also help track down the origins of banded racing pigeons who have gone off course. For pigeon breeds to thrive, it takes knowledge of their unique features and attributes.
