Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) – A Comprehensive Study

Taxonomy & Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Columbiformes
• Family: Columbidae
• Genus: Columba
• Species: Columba livia

The Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), also known as the common pigeon, is one of the most widespread bird species globally. It is a member of the Columbidae family, which includes doves and pigeons. It has adapted remarkably well to urban landscapes, coastal areas, and rocky cliffs.

Morphology & Physical Description

• Size: 30–35 cm in length
• Wingspan: 62–72 cm
• Weight: 230–370 grams
• Plumage: Primarily blue-grey with iridescent green and purple sheen on the neck
• Head: Small, rounded, and often darker than the body
• Eyes: Orange, red, or yellow, with a thin eye ring
• Beak: Short, dark grey with a white cere at the base
• Legs & Feet: Short, pinkish-red, adapted for perching
• Tail: Square-shaped with a dark terminal band

Color Variations

Due to domestication and hybridization, several color morphs exist, including white, black, brown, and speckled varieties.

Habitat & Distribution

The Rock Pigeon is an adaptable species found in diverse habitats, including:

• Urban and suburban areas – rooftops, bridges, and old buildings
• Coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops – natural nesting sites
• Rural farmland and open fields – feeding grounds
• Mangrove peripheries and estuarine regions

Presence in the Sundarban

The Sundarban, known for its vast mangrove forests and estuarine biodiversity, is not a typical habitat for the Rock Pigeon. However, some populations exist in:

• Human settlements and watchtowers within the Sundarban Biosphere
• Nearby towns and villages, occasionally venturing into the mangrove fringes
• River embankments and concrete structures, where they roost and breed

Unlike native mangrove bird species, Rock Pigeons prefer man-made structures over trees, limiting their presence in deep mangrove zones.

Diet & Feeding Behavior

The Rock Pigeon is an opportunistic feeder with a diet consisting of:

• Seeds and grains (wheat, corn, rice, millet)
• Fruits and berries
• Small invertebrates (rarely)
• Food scraps from human settlements

Foraging Strategy

• Mostly ground foragers, pecking at food in open areas
• Often seen feeding in groups, increasing vigilance against predators
• Displays strong site fidelity, returning to the same feeding locations daily

Breeding & Nesting

• Breeding Season: Year-round, with peak breeding during spring and summer
• Nesting Sites: Prefers ledges, crevices, cliffs, and man-made structures
• Nest Type: Simple, made from twigs, grass, and debris
• Eggs: Typically two white eggs per clutch
• Incubation Period: 17–19 days, with both parents involved
• Fledging: Chicks (squabs) leave the nest after 4–5 weeks

Parental Care

• Both male and female pigeons produce crop milk, a nutrient-rich secretion to feed hatchlings.
• Pigeons exhibit strong site attachment, often using the same nest repeatedly.

Vocalization & Communication

The Rock Pigeon is not highly vocal but produces:

• Soft “cooing” sounds, especially during courtship
• Wing claps as a form of display or alarm
• Low grunts when disturbed

Special Adaptations

1. Exceptional Navigation Ability: Uses Earth’s magnetic field, sun positioning, and landmarks for orientation.
2. Strong Flight Muscles: Capable of sustained flight at speeds up to 90 km/h (56 mph).
3. Highly Social Nature: Forms large flocks, reducing predation risk.
4. Domestication and Homing Ability: Used historically for messenger services.
5. Urban Adaptability: Thrives in man-made environments, making it one of the most successful avian species.

Predators & Threats

• Birds of prey (hawks, falcons, eagles)
• Snakes and small mammals (targeting eggs and chicks)
• Human-related threats – habitat destruction, poisoning, pigeon racing risks

Threats in the Sundarban

• Limited nesting sites due to lack of cliffs or tall buildings
• Predation by raptors such as the Brahminy Kite and White-bellied Sea Eagle
• Competition with native birds for resources

Conservation Status

IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)

The Rock Pigeon is widespread with stable populations worldwide. However, in some urban areas, they face control measures due to perceived overpopulation.

Conclusion

The Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) is one of the most adaptable bird species, thriving in urban, coastal, and agricultural settings. While its presence in the Sundarban is limited to human settlements and fringes, it remains an integral part of the ecosystem, interacting with both natural and man-made environments.