To speak of the pigeon is to refer to a very emblematic bird of formidable size, measuring 34 to 37 cm, with various color variations including dark, earthy, and white. The Columbidae are the group of pigeons and doves, comprising more than 310 species distributed throughout the world, except for Antarctica.
pigeon characteristics
They are feathered creatures invested with incredible knowledge, as long as they are contrasted with different birds, although from there, between different less cunning winged animals a significant idea has been found that has even allowed a connection between man and birds.
These characteristics of pigeons allow them to have extraordinary consideration for their young and perhaps even a significant emotional (ethological) bond between parents and offspring. Monogamy among pigeons, on the other hand, seems to incredibly encourage a high reproduction rate, although, like other types of animals , pigeons also experience the harmful effects of high newborn mortality.
Young pigeons, shortly after becoming independent and growing large enough to fly, are driven out of the region where their parents live, as they mostly return to breed two different chicks within a short period. You can learn more about the homing pigeon , one of the best-known varieties within this group, as well as its diet.
Labor in which they as a couple, the father and the mother, dedicate a lot of time to their care, and in which the mother normally spends a long time in the basic home dying the eggs and then taking care of the chicks while the father or the pigeon look for food to support the family.
The homes that tend to weaken are made with small branches and the eggs, usually two, are hatched by both sexes. Pigeons normally feed on seeds and organic products. Both sexes feed their young an exceptionally nutritious discharge called crop milk, which is emitted from unusual cells.
In addition to having an extraordinary ability to read a compass, the pigeon is one of the fastest-flying winged creatures, reaching speeds of up to 56 km/h (70 mph). The pigeon is also known for its incredibly keen sense of sight: between the late 1980s and the mid-XNUMXs, the U.S. Coast Guard built a rescue test system with pigeons trained to distinguish bright hues.
It consisted of equipping a helicopter with three copies in a tiny cabin with windows in the lower part of the vehicle, thus covering the 360 ° vision curve. The pigeons achieved a 93% viability in finding floatable objects, in contrast to 38% for people under similar conditions.
The Sea Hunt Project venture was characterized by the Coast Guard as the "best sunlight search framework." This frame never got past the testing stage and was abandoned in 1983 due to cost cuts without the pigeons having a chance to save lives.
The pigeon or Columbidae would quickly pass through the mirror evaluation, by which each individual would perceive himself or be aware of his character, if the character can be applied to another creature than human, since the character implies a concealment.
It is clear that pigeons perceive themselves as individual creatures or possess self-awareness, as they can perceive the individual characteristics of creatures of different species, like other intelligent winged animals, and effectively perceive others of similar species. To delve deeper into this topic, you can visit the article on pigeon varieties.
They also learn how to recognize people who help them from people who hurt them. On the other hand, according to the latest scans in the year 2017, the pigeon can read or rather recognize various charts and make them understand the contrast between said charts.
The young pigeons are called pigeons, and the individuals who raise them are called columbiculturists; expressions of love for this graceful, feathered creature. Due to weight of conditions, for example loss of food sources or places to settle, stress can cause intraspecific savagery, in which they may kill each other and execute nestlings from different conspecific assemblages.
Anatomical characteristics
The Columbidae branch of pigeons is distinguished by its extremely robust trunk in proportion to its small head, despite a highly developed brain area. They have short, inflated beaks and short legs with four toes, one of which is opposable, like the thumb. They also have moderately large and particularly sturdy wings, which appear essentially suited for flight, as is typical of wood pigeons.
Description
Measurements between species vary impressively, from the New Guinea gura reaching the size of a turkey or to the lovebirds that are minimally larger than a chick, the power of the lower species is compared with that of the diminutive dwarf frugivore – Ptilinopus nainus, which is only 13 cm long.
Delicate and broad plumage is also an exceptional factor: some types of animals have very contrasting shading and a perceptible minimum, while others, specifically the fruit-eating pigeon of the class Ptilinopus and the pigeons of the Treron and Alectroenas varieties, have uniform attributes of different shades that are enormously striking, like those of birds.
relationship with man
Some animal species have adapted to urban life to such an extent that they have become a problem in urban communities like Venice, where precautions have been taken against the damage caused by their droppings, which are eroding the area's artistic and decorative heritage. To learn how to deter pigeons , you can consult this related article.
illusionism
The residential turtledove (Streptopelia risoria) is used in illusionism demonstrations due to its incredible calmness, especially of the male. Likewise, this species has among its assortments, absolutely white specimens, which are commonly used in these shows.
dove symbolism
The charming dove is also a creature with a representative meaning, with positive or kind implications and salients in many societies. In the Old Testament of the Bible it is recorded that Noah released a dove from the ark after the Flood in order to get dry land, and that he returned with an olive branch in his beak.
Likewise, in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit glided from heaven in the presence of a dove over Jesus Christ at the moment he was being baptized. On the other hand, the prophet that in English is Jonas, it is discovered that his true Hebrew name is called יוֹנָה (Yonah), which means, Paloma.
The dove is the image of authenticity, frankness and innocence and, in particular, of just harmony or friendship. She was consecrated to Venus, who carried her in her hands and fastened her to her chariot, as Apuleius instructed.
Aelianus includes that he occasionally transformed into a dove, so only his clerics ate them. Homer alludes that some pigeons took care of Zeus, an established story about how a similar word in the Phoenician language means dove and priest.
The individuals of Ascalonia had incredible respect for these winged creatures, which they considered to transform after death, did not set out to eat or kill any due to paranoid fear of eating or killing their own parents, and took care of all pigeons with specific consideration that were conceived in the city.
The Assyrians also had great devotion to these birds, since they accepted that the spirit of the Semiramide, their sovereign, ascended to Olympus like a dove. Sophocles said that some pigeons in the woods of Dodona informed Hercules of the end of his days.
Today, the effigy of a white dove with an olive branch in its beak is an image of harmony and immaculateness in Western social orders, a painting deified by Pablo Picasso in his Dove of Peace.
pigeon feeding
Pigeons typically benefit from seeds and natural products, which is why some people artificially supplement their diet with various nutrients, such as breadcrumbs, rice, corn, and other grains. Their diet is fundamental to their health and well-being, so it's important to understand the specific needs of this bird.
Canto
Pigeons have low-pitched melodies, with unmistakable varieties between species. The most recognized vocalization is that of the males when they call the females. As if seeking to extend the breeding seasons, their melodies can be heard practically throughout the year.
In mating ceremonies, the male walks around the female, raising and lowering his neck, feathers puffed out. Some groups of animals have ceremonies that incorporate noisy wing flapping. The domestic pigeon claps its wings and then walks around the female with its wings raised in a V shape over her body.
Nests
Pigeons characteristically make flimsy nests which are basic constructions made of tiny hard branches. Some types of animals live in homes left behind by other species. The development of the house takes only two to four days. Normally the male brings the materials and the female forms the home.
Reproduction
They usually lay two eggs which are hatched by both sexes. The moment their young are born, they feed them an emission called crop milk that is discharged by unusual cells. Both sexes produce this extremely nutritious substance to care for the young.
Diseases caused by the pigeon
Contact with pigeon droppings can pose a health risk. In fact, three human illnesses are known to be linked to pigeon droppings: psittacosis, cryptococcosis, and histoplasmosis.
histoplasmosis
Respiratory disease manifesting as severe lung damage accompanied by chest pain, severe chills, fever, and cough.
Chlamydiosis
It is a bacterium that causes a disease called ornithosis, which man contracts by breathing fecal waste contaminated by creatures with wings that carry the bacteria.
Colibacillosis
It consists of a disease caused by a germ called Eschequiria coli, which is found in the digestive organs of creatures and man, causes fever, small hemorrhages on the skin and diarrheal events.
Salmonellosis
This disease is highly associated with food contaminated with airborne pigeon feces.
Saint Louis encephalitis
It is the inflammation of the sensory system that causes drowsiness, migraine and fever, it can also cause loss of movement, finally passing extreme lethargy. This disease affects people of all ages, however, it is particularly deadly in those over 50 years of age.
allergic alveolitis
This is called pigeon lung disease . It can appear suddenly or gradually, causing lung swelling (alveolitis) triggered by an oversensitive response to feathers or fecal matter. It manifests as a persistent cough that, over time, creates pressure on the lungs, potentially leading to irreversible damage.
pneumoencephalitis
It is a conjunctivitis, blockage, tearing, agony and expansion of the subconjunctival tissues.
trypanosomiasis
The dovecotes are a constant refuge for kissing bugs, an insect that causes Chagas disease, which would imply that proximity to winged animals favors the presence of the disease.
Pigeon – Types
It is a species that is divided into different groups, each one having an aspect that distinguishes it and makes it unique. These varieties are over 150 classes, achieving a very common stipulated as:
- turtledove necklace
- Ringdove
- Pigeon Rabiche
- turkish turtledove
- rock pigeon
- Domestic Turtledove
- spotted turtledove
- Dove Zurita
- Moor's head
- Laughing Turtle Dove
- european turtledove
- Turquoise Pigeon
Sanitary control- the best prevention
The most appropriate thing is to destroy the breeding of pigeons in urban territories, particularly in huge settlements where there are population centers and to do a satisfactory cleaning of the breeding places to avoid the spread of droppings. It does not reproduce for breeding: its owner must have full command of cleaning, disinfection and visits to the veterinarian.
It is essential to keep lofts spotless and dry, feed them with items in excellent condition, immunize them and treat injuries immediately. Although the recurrence of the infection is low in people, precautionary measures must be taken constantly. Cleanliness is always the factor to prevent the spread of diseases.
Curiosity that originates the pigeon
As an important sessile organism, the pigeon family is one of the few animal groups that can suck water, allowing them to drink without lifting their heads. Different birds need to dip their beaks into the water and then lift them to let the water run down their throats.
The ability to ingest water allows pigeons to drink more quickly in open regions. Pigeons drink a great deal of water, absorbing up to 15% of their weight in water each day, so they are occasionally seen near springs or lakes in urban communities.
