Pigeons

When B.F. Skinner, an American psychologist, announced the results of his pigeon reinforcement behavior experiments, it was considered an innovation in the field of psychology. The American…

Soft feathers, calming coos and warm brown eyes don't generally come to mind when discussing pigeons. Instead come thoughts of disease, filth-laden sidewalks and excrement in excess. Pigeons have a…

Asopao – the Puerto Rican answer to Italian risotto – is a hearty, stew-like dish that is made from rice, peas, meat and, of course, habanero peppers. Between the asopao’s warmth and the pepper’s…

Nuisance birds have become increasingly common due to lack of predators and their ability to breed year round. Pigeons, starlings and gulls are the most common types of pest bird. Pigeons landing on…

Roller pigeons are a domesticated breed of pigeons that can roll, somersaulting backward in fast and tight rotations, while flying through the air or on the ground. Some roller pigeons can roll so…

Wild pigeons are useful in training bird dogs and can often be obtained cheaply. The most difficult part of buying wild pigeons is finding a place to purchase them. The most reliable way to locate a…

The last passenger pigeon, a female named Martha, died Sept. 1, 1914, at age 29 in the Cincinnati Zoo. The passenger pigeon, whose closest living relative is the mourning dove, is one of the few…

Across the world in major cities, pigeons are a common bird. Many people consider pigeons nuisance birds, along with scavengers like crows and magpies. The cooing that pigeons perform is similar to…

Carrier pigeons were used during the first and second World Wars to transport messages across enemy lines, and these birds can still be used to send communications today. If you already own or are…

Carrier pigeons, sometimes called homing pigeons, have been used for centuries to carry letters and objects. They are used for these missions because they have a unique ability to find their way back…

Pigeons were at one time prized for their meat, but now are valued as pets. Keeping pigeons as pets has a long tradition. These birds adapt well to home life and their care is easy, making them a good…

The name "retriever" says it all, these dogs are made to retrieve, and that is exactly what they will do if taught correctly. Many hunters bring retriever dogs along with them on bird hunting trips.…

A carrier pigeon is a domesticated rock pigeon that is trained to carry messages. All pigeons are born with the innate ability to find their way home. Some scientists suggest the magnetite found in…

With their beautiful tails, slender necks and small eyes, it's no wonder that American fantail pigeons are popular among bird owners. They come in a variety of colors, some yellow or blue, while…

Many newborn birds are fed a liquid, regurgitated meal based on the berries, nuts and insects that adult birds normally eat. However, pigeons are a bit different. The adult birds make a thick, creamy…

Carrier pigeons have a dirty reputation for the dropping they leave around city parks and buildings. However, these are among the most noble of birds. When the U.S. entered World War I, 600 carrier…

White homing pigeons are a breed of rock dove, and are frequently released at the end of weddings as a symbol of peace and love. Since homing pigeons are trained to return to their coop, releasing…

For many people, pigeons are more than dirty birds of city streets. Some enjoy racing homing pigeons or simply keeping a coop. Either way, pigeons can be entertaining and relaxing pets. Just like…

There are records of people keeping pigeons dating to 3,000 B.C. Pigeons are fast fliers and they instinctively return to their place of birth. These qualities have made them useful throughout history…

Bird fanciers find great enjoyment in watching hatchlings grow into healthy squabs and then hearty adults. Raising young squabs is a simple process if you still have the birds' parents. The cock and…

Cobb chickens are one of the most recognizable of all the chicken breeds due to their popularity as a farm animal throughout the United States. Cobb chickens partially owe their popularity due to…

White pigeons are symbols of peace, love and tranquility throughout the world, regardless of the culture. Even in ancient times white pigeons were used to celebrate important events. In ancient Egypt,…

Station pigeons are renowned as one of America's most prized racing pigeons, creating a steady need for station pigeon breeders. Regardless of whether you're a bird enthusiast or a hardened breeder,…

Pigeon squabs are initially fed milk by their parents, which is derived by cells in the adult's crop. Orphaned pigeon squabs must be kept warm and dry and require regular feeding throughout daylight…

Female pigeons can be raised as pets or for their meat, which is called squab. Less aggressive than their male counterparts, female pigeons are social and like interacting with other birds. Once you…

Doves and pigeons belong to the same bird family, known as columbidae. Humans have domesticated pigeons for centuries for their looks as well as to perform specific tasks. Pigeons bred to have…

Due to their large outspread tails, fantail pigeons need lofts designed with the width of their tails in mind. For this reason, it is best to find organizations or people with experience with fancy…

The Saxon monk pigeon originated in Europe, and is one of hundreds of breeds of pigeons raised for exhibition in pigeon shows. Although descended from the same ancestor, the rock dove, fancy pigeons…

The domestic pigeon is a bird found mainly in North America, South America, Europe, Northern Africa and India. Also called the rock dove or city pigeon, the domestic pigeon nests on high ledges such…

Pigeons are engaging birds known for their plumage, racing and homing abilities. Pigeons are bred in a variety of shapes and colors, and many fanciers and pet keepers show their birds. Before…

Some people refer to pigeons as "rats with wings" because of pigeons' ability to endure and prosper in dirty, urban environments. Pigeons are often undeserving of the disdain with which many people…

Along with food and water, homing pigeons need grit -- or small rocks -- to survive. Because birds do not have teeth or stomachs, they must grind their food in their gizzards using grit in order to…

People hear "pigeon" and think of the millions of birds filling most major cities in the US. In truth, pigeons come from a long and noble history. Domesticated close to 3,000 years ago, pigeons have…

A physically striking bird, the English trumpeter pigeon sports a tufted topnotch and fully feathered feet. The feathers that protrude from the hock and toes of the bird can measure up to 8 to 10…

Distinguished by their long, beautiful fan-shaped tail, the fantail pigeon hails originally from India and is a member of the broad tail shaker species of pigeons. These smaller, attractive pigeons…

With titles like, "A Case of Complete Sex-Reversal in the Adult Pigeon" or "Sex Reversal in a Pigeon," appearing in academic biological journals, it is not surprising that many pigeon owners find it…

Determining the gender of a pigeon is known as sexing. Pigeons have no outer genitals to help you determine if they are male or female. For this reason, there are several observations that must be…

Fancy Feast is a high-end brand of wet cat food. It comes in a can that is smaller than traditional canned pet foods. In addition to its line of wet cat food, Fancy Feast also makes dry food, kitten…

Gulls are often called seagulls because they are seen along the shore scavenging for food and soaring together. When seen at inland locations, such as parking lots and around dumpsters, they seem to…

A form of communication among birds, particularly pigeons, is calling. Calling happens when pigeons produce high-pitched sounds in order to communicate with each other. Pigeons call each other for…

Baby pigeons rely on their mother's milk to grow and survive, but it's very possible for humans to hand-feed babies with commercial baby bird food and have them grow and thrive. However, feeding young…

Pigeons have excellent eyesight and flying ability, but are reluctant to fly in the dark. Whether catching escaped pigeons or catching captive pigeons, they can easily be captured at night. Nesting…

Feral pigeons are direct descendants of the rock dove that inhabit towns and cities and come in a variety of colors. Escaped racing and homing pigeons also may contribute to feral pigeon flocks.…

Although pigeons usually take care of their young, people must occasionally intervene to rear the young squabs. The first few weeks after hatching are an important time in pigeons' lives when they can…

Color and color patterns in domestic pigeons are hereditary. Breeding for solid-black pigeons requires mating a solid-colored bird with a blue-patterned pigeon with a black tail band. The color of the…

If you find a baby pigeon that has been abandoned by its mother, consider taking it in and raising it. Without its mother, the fledgling pigeon will die because it cannot feed itself. If you decide to…

Pigeons are easy to raise and breed. Wild pigeons, if captured as adults, may be ornery, but if you acquire a young bird, it should be easy to tame as a pet. These birds are very social, quiet,…

There are many different species of pigeon but the varieties kept by pigeon enthusiasts have primarily been bred from the rock pigeon. In the wild, most species eat mainly seeds and fruit. Domestic…

Carrier pigeons, also known as homing pigeons, have been used as messengers, especially during World War I. They are blessed with an amazing sensory perception that allows them to track their…

If you are planning to breed pigeons, it's vitally important to know the sex of your birds. Unfortunately, determining the sex of pigeons can be challenging, and even expert pigeon keepers can be…

Lakes, whether natural or man-made, attract seagulls for a variety of reasons. Natural lakes contain an assortment of small fish such as smelt, perch and trout, depending on the region. Fish are a…

It is important to know how to remove pigeon droppings, so your personal items are not permanently damaged. Pigeon droppings can lead to health risks if not removed properly from your clothing or lawn…

Raising baldhead roller pigeons for competitive flying and exhibition are popular hobbies that provide competition and fellowship among fellow baldhead roller enthusiasts. Domestic pigeons lay two…

For thousands of years people have bred pigeons. Centuries ago, breeders came from all levels of society, from peasants to emperors. Today, all kinds of people continue to participate in this…

Raising champion pigeons is a rewarding and competitive hobby. Whether raising racing pigeons for competitive pigeon racing, or breeding fancy pigeons for show, pigeons provide hours of entertainment…

Pigeons originated in Southern Asia millions of years ago. These gentle birds come in a variety of species and sizes, ranging from the diamond dove, which is 12 cm long, to the crowned pigeon, which…

The colorful archangel is a type of fancy pigeon, best known for the metallic sheen of its feathers. Archangels are small pigeons and slim in appearance. Archangel pigeons are bred principally for…

There are more than 200 species of pigeons. They are found all over the world and vary greatly in size --- from slim and tall, to short and round. All pigeons, however, range in color from white to…

Pigeons can quickly become a nuisance for homeowners and businesses because they make such a mess on rooftops and because they carry diseases. Spikes, pesticides and other deterrents can be used to…

Birds such as pigeons and seagulls are beautiful, fun for your kids to feed and have necessary functions in the environment. But, for many homeowners, business owners and building superintendents they…

If you breed pigeons, keep them as pets or for hobby racing, you should provide them with comfortable housing. Customize a sturdy pigeon house that offers the pigeons a safe haven from predators, as…

Perhaps you have a young or inexperienced dog that needs some practice in bird work. Planting pigeons is, more or less, an artificial means to train the dog. While your dog is still learning, be sure…

Somehow you have acquired a baby pigeon that really should still be in its mother's nest. You are a kind person and could not fathom abandoning a helpless baby animal, so now you are going to have to…

The bacteria salmonella causes food poisoning in humans and infections in vertebrates, including birds, reptiles and mammals. There are more than 2,000 species of salmonella, and subgenus I most…

Whether or not an animal can see colors depends on several things, the main one being the kind of photoreceptors in the retina. There are two kinds of photoreceptors--rods and cones. Rods are…

In the wild, pigeons are divided into two groups based on their diet. Some live on mostly on seeds, plus insects, green shoots and leaves. These are the seed-eaters, grouped in the subfamily…

If you want to start keeping pigeons as pets, you need to have a stable cage or house to serve as their shelter. Pigeons can become quite a nuisance if you allow them to fly off and rest on any part…

The most famous bird food stimuli experiments were done by B.F. Skinner at Harvard University in the 1930s. Bird food stimuli experiments are conditioning experiments. With the use of conditioned…

Pigeon lofts are shed-like structures where you can comfortably house your pigeons and protect them from the elements. These lofts come in all different shapes and sizes. They should be custom-made to…

Before the Internet, before cell phones, carrier pigeons saved the day. These humble members of the Columbidae family were trained to carry messages written on thin paper rolled up and put into a…

Pigeon fanciers' lung describes an allergic reaction often seen in pigeon breeders. Up to 22 percent of pigeon breeders exhibit symptoms of pigeon fanciers' lung, according to the British Pigeon…

Psittacosis, also called avian chlamydiosis or parrot fever, occurs around the world, especially in psittacine birds from subtropical and tropical areas. It can be transmitted through the air, as well…

One of the main health concerns that bird owners have are bird mites, sometimes referred to as pigeon mites. Mites can cause severe anemia in both pet and wild birds due to their feeding habits,…

Few people are apathetic about pigeons. They love them, like Bert from "Sesame Street" (though they probably haven't made up a pigeon dance), or they hate them and call them "rats with wings."…

Pigeons are no strangers to people, and chances are if you live in a big city you've seen your fair share of these birds. Although pigeons can run free in the wild, they can also be pets and are easy…

Psittacosis, a dangerous condition for pigeons, is a type of lung infection that is caused by the Chlamydia psittaci microorganism. It is transmitted through the inhalation of dried dust from…

A pigeon magnet is a revolving motorized device with plastic pigeon decoys, used to make hunting easier. The real animals see the fake pigeons and gravitate towards the area where the hunter is hiding…

The common pigeon can be found all over the planet congregating in parks and on sidewalks or roosting on a building ledge. Some people even raise them in coops. Having a baby pigeon around without a…

A University of Utah study shows that bigger lice prefer bigger birds. So if your pet pigeon is crawling with seeming large lice you are not just imagining the lice are super-sized. Besides…

Sexing pigeons can be tricky and even experts are occasionally fooled. Unlike many animals, birds, in general, do not have obvious physical attributes that distinguish them as male or female. Instead,…

Pigeons are often considered dirty pests that infest cities. They have been suspected to carry disease and are infamous for damaging property with their nests and excrement. Whatever the reason, many…

The Turkish Tumbler is a fancy pigeon breed originally created in Turkey and related to the various other tumbler pigeons found throughout Europe and North America. The name refers to the bird's…

Pigeons can eat a wide variety of nuts and grains. Feeding a wide variety of foods to pigeons helps them to maintain good health.

Fancy pigeons come in many different sizes, shapes, feather designs, and colors. They were domesticated from the Columbian Rock Pigeon. Fancy pigeons are raised as pets, hobbies, and for show.

Pigeons should never be fed any man-made or processed foods, and only a good-quality bird seed, bread and maybe fresh fruit and vegetables should be given to them. Find out what to feed wild pigeons…

Pigeons are stout-bodied birds that are common in large cities. The most common type of pigeon found in urban areas is the feral rock pigeon, which has a short neck and slender bill. Because pigeons…

The homing pigeon comes from the family of "Columba livia domestica," or Rock pigeons. These birds have been bred to find their way home from long distances, as wild rock pigeons always return home…

Pigeons can be a problem, whether roosting on metropolitan skyscraper roofs and window ledges, or under the eaves and roofs of private homes. The pigeons coo and leave piles of feces on porches,…

Pigeons can be annoying animals that not only bother you by being around but also leave a mess where ever they go. Having pigeons in a carport are especially burdensome, because they get too close to…

Whether you have a pet pigeon or just want to feed the birds in Central Park, this article will explain exactly how and what to feed those winged creatures.

Pigeons are cute and can be fun to feed, but they can cause damage to your house and car with their droppings and nests. If you want to get rid of a pigeon problem, you have to make your area as…

Rats with wings, anyone? Although pigeons are many-colored, rather pretty birds which are quite intelligent, many people dislike them. There are many species of pigeons, and they are found all over…

It is important to properly clean and dispose of pigeon droppings because of the diseases they can carry. Inhaling the dust from pigeon droppings has been known to cause histoplasmosis, cryptococcus…

Pigeons are quite social creatures, and have no fear of man. They are intelligent and entertaining and fairly easy to tame. All you need is the time and patience to let them get to know you. Read on…

If you find a lost pigeon that has a band on his leg, he is probably lost because he is in need of rest, water and food. Chances are good if you take care of him for a couple of days, he can find his…

Pigeon enthusiasts specially train and breed homing pigeons to find their way back home when traveling for long distances. Pigeons have a natural ability to return to their nest all on their own, but…

Homing pigeons are fun to care for and racing them is a very popular hobby. One of the things you have to do if you're going to race your homing pigeons is train them to come back home fast. One very…

It takes a lot of effort to properly care for homing pigeons. Because the pigeons live in such close quarters, the spread of disease is always a present danger since it could wipe out all of your…

Breeding homing pigeons is a hobby that many people enjoy. They can fly at an average speed of 30 miles per hour and can even reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. Records indicate that pigeons can…

Eye sign in pigeons refers to observable characteristics of a bird's eyes. Breeders use eye sign as an indication of quality in pigeons when selecting for breeding. However, eye sign is controversial.…

Proper nutrition is essential for quality, healthy homing pigeons. It is vital to feed the pigeons the correct food and to offer the food at the right time of day. Learn how to choose food for your…

Whether you're keeping pigeons as pets, for racing or homing purposes, it is important to house them properly in a well made pigeon coup. The pigeon coup you choose will have a great impact on the…

Many people think pigeons are a nuisance, calling them rats with wings, but pigeons can actually make very good pets. They are gentle birds and smart enough to have carried messages from place to…

Homing pigeons are a not a typical pet bird. Used for racing, a trained homing pigeon can fly up to 600 miles away and come right back to your home. Buying homing pigeons is an affordable and fun…

Roller pigeons can be a fun and entertaining pet or a competition flight bird. Their appeal and popularity stretch not only across the United States but the globe as well. There are roller pigeon…

Roller pigeons can be a delight to watch as they turn and tumble in the air. A favorite breed to many pigeon trainers, the birds are a fascination to many. Though you can't actually train a roller to…

It may surprise people to discover that pigeons can be kept as pets. Pigeons are calm birds that are easily trained and inexpensive to maintain. White pigeons can be found at weddings in place of…

Feeding wild pigeons can be a great way to get these interesting birds to hang around your garden, home or apartment. It may also keep them healthier than they might be and give them a longer life…

Since homing pigeons instinctively return home after long flights, it's not tedious to train them. Homing pigeons have served as a communication method by which a message is taped to their leg. Some…

Carrier pigeons are heroic birds that have carried messages over enemy lines in battle for thousands of years. Though true carrier pigeons are a relatively rare breed, homing pigeons carry messages…

Birds are valuable to the ecosystem, but can be a nuisance to the home or business owner. It can be trial and error when it comes to scaring birds away but there are good reasons to experiment. Birds…