NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Rock Pigeon

The Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) is a member of the bird family Columbidae, doves and pigeons. The bird is also known by the names of feral pigeon or domestic pigeon. In common usage, this bird is often simply referred to as the "pigeon". The species was commonly known as Rock Dove until 2004, when the British Ornithologists' Union and the American Ornithologists' Union changed the official English name of the bird in their regions to Rock Pigeon. Species See text. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (3072x2048, 2697 KB) Summary Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rock Pigeon User:Grendelkhan/Images Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital... The conservation status of a species is an indicator of the likelihood of that species continuing to survive either in the present day or the future. ... Image File history File links Status_iucn3. ... Least Concern (LC) is an IUCN category assigned to extant species or lower taxa which have been evaluated but do not qualify for any other category. ... For other uses, see Scientific classification (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Animal (disambiguation). ... Typical Classes See below Chordates (phylum Chordata) are a group of animals that includes the vertebrates, together with several closely related invertebrates. ... For other uses, see Bird (disambiguation). ... Families Columbidae The bird order Columbiformes the includes the very widespread and successful doves and pigeons, classified in the family Columbidae, and the extinct Dodo and Rodrigues Solitaire, long classified as a second family Raphidae. ... Subfamilies see article text Feral Rock Pigeon beside Weiming Lake, Peking University Dove redirects here. ... Genus Columba The large bird genus Columba comprises a group of medium to large stout-bodied pigeons, often referred to as the typical pigeons. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Johann Friedrich Gmelin (August 8, 1748 - November 1, 1804) was a German naturalist and botanist. ... Year 1789 (MDCCLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... For other uses, see Bird (disambiguation). ... Subfamilies see article text Feral Rock Pigeon beside Weiming Lake, Peking University Dove redirects here. ... Subfamilies see article text Feral Rock Pigeon beside Weiming Lake, Peking University Dove redirects here. ... Pigeon redirects here. ... The British Ornithologists Union (BOU) aims to encourage the study of birds (ornithology) in Britain, Europe and throughout the world, in order to understand their biology and to aid their conservation. ... The American Ornithologists Union (AOU) an ornithological organization in the USA. Unlike the National Audubon Society, its members are primarily professional ornithologists rather than amateur birders. ...

Habitat

The Rock Pigeon has a restricted natural resident range in western and southern Europe, North Africa, and into South Asia. Its habitat is natural cliffs, usually on coasts. Its domesticated form, the feral pigeon, has been widely introduced elsewhere, and is common, especially in cities, over much of the world. In Britain, Ireland and much of its former range, the Rock Pigeon probably only occurs pure in the most remote areas. A Rock Pigeon's life span is anywhere from 3–5 years in the wild to 15 years in captivity, though longer-lived specimens have been reported. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1024x768, 311 KB) File links The following pages link to this file: Rock Pigeon ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1024x768, 311 KB) File links The following pages link to this file: Rock Pigeon ... Habitat (which is Latin for it inhabits) is the place where a particular species live and grow. ... â€œPrecipiceâ€ redirects here. ... For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ... Northern Africa (UN subregion) geographic, including above North Africa or Northern Africa is the northernmost region of the African continent, separated by the Sahara from Sub-Saharan Africa. ... Map of South Asia (see note on Kashmir). ... A feral horse (an American mustang) in Wyoming A feral animal or plant is one that has escaped from domestication and returned, partly or wholly, to its wild state. ...

The species was first introduced to North America in 1606 at Port Royal, Acadia (now Nova Scotia). North America North America is a continent[1] in the Earths northern hemisphere and (chiefly) western hemisphere. ... Events January 27 - The trial of Guy Fawkes and other conspirators begins ending in their execution on January 31 May 17 - Supporters of Vasili Shusky invade the Kremlin and kill Premier Dmitri December 26 - Shakespeares King Lear performed in court Storm buries a village of St Ismails near... The Habitation at Port-Royal is a National Historic Site located at Port Royal in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. ... Flag History - Established 1604 - English conquest 1713 Acadia (1754) Acadia (in the French language lAcadie) was the name given to a colonial territory in northeastern North America that included parts of eastern Quebec, the Maritime provinces, and modern-day New England, stretching as far south as Philadelphia. ... Motto: Munit Haec et Altera Vincit(Latin) One defends and the other conquers Capital Halifax Largest city Halifax Regional Municipality Official languages English, Canadian Gaelic Government - Lieutenant-Governor Mayann E. Francis - Premier Rodney MacDonald (PC) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament - House seats 11 - Senate seats 10 Confederation July 1, 1867...

Characteristics

The Rock Pigeon is 32–37 cm long with a 64–72 cm wingspan. The white lower back of the pure Rock Pigeon is its best identification character, but the two black bars on its pale grey wings are also distinctive. The tail is margined with white. It is strong and quick on the wing, dashing out from sea caves, flying low over the water, its lighter grey rump showing well from above. Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... , â€œCalcuttaâ€ redirects here. ... , West Bengal (Bengali: à¦ªà¦¶à§à¦šà¦¿à¦®à¦¬à¦™à§à¦— PoshchimbÃ´Å‹go) is a state in eastern India. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... , â€œCalcuttaâ€ redirects here. ... , West Bengal (Bengali: à¦ªà¦¶à§à¦šà¦¿à¦®à¦¬à¦™à§à¦— PoshchimbÃ´Å‹go) is a state in eastern India. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... , â€œCalcuttaâ€ redirects here. ... , West Bengal (Bengali: à¦ªà¦¶à§à¦šà¦¿à¦®à¦¬à¦™à§à¦— PoshchimbÃ´Å‹go) is a state in eastern India. ...

The head and neck of the mature bird are a darker blue-grey than the back and wings; the lower back is white. The green and lilac or purple patch on the side of the neck is larger than that of the Stock Dove, and the tail is more distinctly banded. These birds come in many different colours, dark grey, light blue/grey, brown, white, grey and white and more. Young birds show little lustre and are duller. Eye colour of the pigeon is generally an orange colour but a few pigeons may have white-grey eyes. The eyelids are orange in colour and are encapsulated in a grey-white eye ring. The feet are red to pink. Binomial name Columba oenas Linnaeus, 1758 The Stock Dove (Columba oenas) is a member of the family Columbidae, doves and pigeons. ...

When circling overhead, the white underwing of the bird becomes conspicuous. In its flight, behaviour, and voice, which is more of a dovecot coo than the phrase of the Wood Pigeon, it is a typical pigeon. Although it is a relatively strong flier, it also glides frequently, holding its wings in a very pronounced V shape as it does. Though fields are visited for grain and green food, it is nowhere so plentiful as to be a pest. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2304x1728, 1773 KB) Summary A Chequered Rock Dove in a city park (otherwise known as a feral pigeon). ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2304x1728, 1773 KB) Summary A Chequered Rock Dove in a city park (otherwise known as a feral pigeon). ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 563 pixelsFull resolution (3544 Ã— 2496 pixel, file size: 3. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 563 pixelsFull resolution (3544 Ã— 2496 pixel, file size: 3. ... For the New Zealand Wood Pigeon see Kereru. ...

The bowing courtship, when the metallic lustre of the neck is fully displayed, often takes place on ledges where Guillemots and Razorbills sit. The Guillemots are seabirds in the auk family. ... Binomial name Alca torda Linnaeus, 1758 The Razorbill, Alca torda, is a large alcid, 38-43 cm in length, with a 60-69 cm wingspan. ...

A small prehistoric subspecies of the Rock Dove that lived during the last ice age in France has been described as Columba livia minuta. This article is about the zoological term. ... This article or section should be merged with Wisconsinan glaciation The Wisconsin (in North America), Weichsel (in Scandinavia), Devensian (in the British Isles) or Würm glaciation (in the Alps) is the most recent period of the Ice Age, and ended some 10,000 Before Present (BP). ...

Reproduction

The nest is usually on a ledge in a cave; it is a slight structure of grass, heather, or seaweed. Like most pigeons it lays two white eggs. The eggs are incubated by both parents for about 18 days. In most birds and reptiles, an egg (Latin ovum) is the zygote, resulting from fertilization of the ovum. ...

The nestling has pale yellow down and a flesh-coloured bill with a dark band. It is tended and fed on "crop milk" like other doves. The fledging period is 30 days. Nestling â€“ A bird that is either too young and frail to leave the nest or is still dependent on its parents. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ...

Domestication

Rock Pigeons have been domesticated for several thousand years, giving rise to the domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica). Many domestic birds have escaped or been released over the years, and have given rise to the feral pigeon. These show a variety of plumages, although some look very like the pure Rock Pigeons. The scarcity of the pure wild species is due to interbreeding with feral birds. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1440x960, 260 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Dove Rock Pigeon Wikipedia:Featured picture candidates User:Fir0002/Natures pics Wikipedia:Featured picture candidates/Image:Rock dove... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1440x960, 260 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Dove Rock Pigeon Wikipedia:Featured picture candidates User:Fir0002/Natures pics Wikipedia:Featured picture candidates/Image:Rock dove... Binomial name Columba livia Gmelin, 1789 The Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), is a member of the bird family Columbidae, doves and pigeons. ...

Feral pigeons in cities

Feral pigeons, also called city doves or city pigeons, find the ledges of high buildings a perfect substitute for sea cliffs, and have become abundant in cities all over the world. However, they are often considered a pest or even vermin, owing to concerns that they spread disease (perhaps unfounded, see 1), damage property, cause pollution with their excrement, and drive out other bird species. Some also consider pigeons an invasive species. [1]. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2272x1704, 1637 KB) Summary Pigeons on Trafalgar Square in London, 2006. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2272x1704, 1637 KB) Summary Pigeons on Trafalgar Square in London, 2006. ... Carpet beetle larvae damaging a specimen of Sceliphron destillatorius in an entomological collection A pest is an organism which has characteristics that are regarded as injurious or unwanted. ... Look up vermin in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... It has been suggested that Pollutant be merged into this article or section. ... Lantana invasion of abandoned citrus plantation; Moshav Sdey Hemed, Israel The term invasive species refers to a subset of introduced species or non-indigenous species that are rapidly expanding outside of their native range. ...

For many years, the pigeons in Trafalgar Square were considered a tourist attraction, with street vendors selling packets of seeds for visitors to feed the pigeons. The feeding of the Trafalgar Square pigeons was controversially banned^[1] in 2003 by London mayor Ken Livingstone. However, activist groups such as Save the Trafalgar Square Pigeons^[2] flouted the ban, feeding the pigeons from a small part of the square that is under the control of Westminster City Council, not the mayor. The organisation has since come to an agreement to feed the pigeons only once a day, at 7.30am^[3]. PlaÃ§a de Catalunya. ... Location Coordinates : Time Zone : CET (GMT +1) - summer: CEST (GMT +2) General information Native name Barcelona (Catalan) Spanish name Barcelona Nickname Ciutat Comtal (City of Counts) Postal code 08001â€“08080 Area code 34 (Spain) + 93 (Barcelona) Website http://www. ... , â€œBombayâ€ redirects here. ... Trafalgar Square viewed from the northeast corner. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... National Monument, with the Hotel Krasnapolsky in the right background. ... For other uses, see Amsterdam (disambiguation). ... Martin Place Martin Place is a pedestrian mall in the business district of Sydney, Australia. ... This article is about the metropolitan area in Australia. ... Piazza San Marco with the Basilica, by Canaletto, 1730, looking just as it does today. ... For other uses, see Venice (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Milan (disambiguation). ... A typical variety of spices available at The Spice Bazaar The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar) (Turkish: MÄ±sÄ±r Ã‡arÅŸÄ±sÄ±) is one of the oldest bazaars in the city. ... Istanbul (Turkish: , Greek: , historically Byzantium and later Constantinople; see other names) is Turkeys most populous city, and its cultural and financial center. ... Rynek GÅ‚Ã³wny. ... For other uses, see Krakow (disambiguation). ... Richard J. Daley Center is Chicagos premier civic center and features a massive sculpture by Pablo Picasso. ... Nickname: Motto: Urbs in Horto (Latin: City in a Garden), I Will Location in the Chicago metro area and Illinois Coordinates: , Country State Counties Cook, DuPage Settled 1770s Incorporated March 4, 1837 Government - Mayor Richard M. Daley (D) Area - City 234. ... Fountains in Piccadilly Gardens looking towards Market Street Piccadilly Gardens is a green space in Manchester City Centre situated at one end of Market Street (a busy shopping area) and on the edge of the Northern Quarter. ... This article is about the City of Manchester in England. ... BasÄarsija BasÄarsija is the old town part of Sarajevo. ... Map of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sarajevo) Coordinates: , Country Entity Canton Sarajevo Canton Government - Mayor Semiha Borovac (SDA) Area [1] - City 141. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 533 pixelsFull resolution (3888 Ã— 2592 pixel, file size: 4. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 533 pixelsFull resolution (3888 Ã— 2592 pixel, file size: 4. ... A portable night-time Tex-Mex street-food stand outside the Helsinki railway station, Finland. ... Kenneth Robert Livingstone (born June 17, 1945) is an English politician who became Mayor of London on the creation of the post in 2000. ... Save the Trafalgar Square Pigeons (also known as STTSP) are an organisation that have attempted to stop cruelty to wild birds, especially pigeons, in Trafalgar Square, London, England since their creation in 2000. ... The City of Westminster is a London borough and a city in its own right, situated to the west of the City of London and north of the River Thames. ...

Although pest exterminators using poison, a hawk or nets have been employed at ground level to control urban pigeon populations, the effect is limited and very short term. Pigeons breed when the food supply is good—for wild rock doves this might be on a seasonal basis so they usually breed once a year. In the urban environment, because of their year-round food supply, feral pigeons will breed continuously, laying eggs up to six times a year. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 598 pixels Full resolution (1648 Ã— 1232 pixel, file size: 464 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) My first picture. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 598 pixels Full resolution (1648 Ã— 1232 pixel, file size: 464 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) My first picture. ... Genera Accipiter Micronisus Melierax Urotriorchis Erythrotriorchis The term hawk refers to birds of prey in any of three senses: Strictly, to mean any of the species in the bird sub-family Accipitrinae in the genera Accipiter, Micronisus, Melierax, Urotriorchis, and Megatriorchis. ...

Feral pigeons can be seen eating grass seeds and berries in urban parks and gardens in the spring, but there are plentiful sources throughout the year from scavenging (e.g. dropped fast-food cartons). Further food is also usually available from the disposing of stale bread in parks by restaurants and supermarkets, from tourists buying and distributing birdseed, etc. Pigeons tend to congregate in large, often thick flocks when going for discarded food, and many have been observed flying skilfully around trees, buildings, telephone poles and cables, and even moving traffic just to reach it. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1202x698, 207 KB) Original upload to En Wiki - 10:52, 6 December 2004 . ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1202x698, 207 KB) Original upload to En Wiki - 10:52, 6 December 2004 . ...

Long term reduction of feral pigeon populations can be achieved by restricting food supply, which in turn will involve legislation and litter (garbage) control. Some cities have deliberately established favourable nesting places for pigeons – nesting places that can easily be reached by city workers who regularly remove eggs, thereby limiting their reproductive success. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (3264x2176, 2362 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rock Pigeon Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (3264x2176, 2362 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rock Pigeon Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to... Central Park is a large public, urban park (843 acres, 3. ...

As a result of the continuous food supply, pigeon courtship rituals can be observed in urban parks at any time of the year. Males on the ground initially puff up feathers at the nape of the neck to increase their apparent size and thereby impress or attract attention, then they single out a female in the vicinity and approach at a rapid walk, often bowing as they approach. Females invariably initially walk away or fly short distances, the males follow them at each stage. Persistence by the male will usually eventually cause the female to tolerate his proximity, at which point he will continue the bowing motion and very often turn full- or half-pirouettes in front of the female. Subsequent mating when observed is very brief with the male flapping his wings to maintain balance on the female. Sometimes the male and female beaks are locked together.

Nests are rudimentary as for the wild doves and pigeons. Favourite nesting areas are in damaged property. Mass nesting is common with dozens of birds sharing a building. Loose tiles and broken windows give pigeons access – they are remarkably good at spotting when new access points become available, for example after strong winds cause property damage. Nests and droppings will quickly make a mess of any nesting area. Pigeons are particularly fond of roof spaces containing water tanks, though they frequently seem to fall into the tanks and drown. Any water tank or cistern in a roof space needs to have a secure lid for this reason. The popularity of a nesting area seems little affected if pigeons die or are killed there – corpses are seen among live birds, who seem unconcerned.

On undamaged property the gutters, window air conditioners, chimney pots and external ledges will be used as nesting sites. Many building owners attempt to limit roosting by using bird control spikes and netting to cover ledges and resting places on the façades of buildings. These probably have little effect on the size of pigeon populations, but can help to reduce the accumulation of droppings on and around an individual building. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2956x2296, 430 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rock Pigeon Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2956x2296, 430 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rock Pigeon Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to... Note: in the broadest sense, air conditioning can refer to any form of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning. ... Bird control spikes on a building frontage sign. ...

Only the larger and more wary Wood Pigeon (which often shares the same territory and food supply) will build a tree nest; for some reason it prefers trees close to roads. For the New Zealand Wood Pigeon see Kereru. ...

The cooing of the feral pigeon is almost continuous when birds are on a nest; it is rarely heard at other times except courtship. Males are at least as likely to be on the nest as females, though a pair of birds will attend the nest.

Peregrine Falcons which are also originally cliff dwellers have also adapted to the big cities, living on the window ledges of skyscrapers and often feeding exclusively on Rock Pigeons. Some cities actively encourage this through falcon breeding programs.[2] Binomial name Tunstall, 1771 Global range (shaded green, dark dots on islands) The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), occasionally known in North America as the Duck Hawk, is a medium-sized falcon about the size of a large crow: 380â€“530 millimetres (15â€“21 in) long. ...

Symbolism

Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 450 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (1200 Ã— 1600 pixel, file size: 936 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) A old pigeon-house in Doorn, The Nethertlands I, the creator of this work, hereby grant the permission to copy, distribute and/or... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 450 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (1200 Ã— 1600 pixel, file size: 936 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) A old pigeon-house in Doorn, The Nethertlands I, the creator of this work, hereby grant the permission to copy, distribute and/or... A colombier (dovecote) in Jersey A dovecote or dovecot is a building intended to house pigeons or doves, which were an important food source in history. ... Topics in Christianity Movements Â· Denominations Â· Other religions Ecumenism Â· Preaching Â· Prayer Music Â· Liturgy Â· Calendar Symbols Â· Art Â· Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul Â· Church Fathers Constantine Â· Athanasius Â· Augustine Anselm Â· Aquinas Â· Palamas Â· Luther Calvin Â· Wesley Arius Â· Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury Â· Catholic Pope Coptic Pope Â· Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box: Christianity is... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... This Gutenberg Bible is displayed by the United States Library. ... This article is about the biblical Noah. ... A painting by the American Edward Hicks (1780â€“1849), showing the animals boarding Noahs Ark two by two. ... Olive branch Olive branch is a colloquial term referring to a concession or a gesture of peace, as well as a peace symbol. ... Topics in Christianity Movements Â· Denominations Ecumenism Â· Preaching Â· Prayer Music Â· Liturgy Â· Calendar Symbols Â· Art Â· Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul Â· Church Fathers Constantine Â· Athanasius Â· Augustine Anselm Â· Aquinas Â· Palamas Â· Luther Calvin Â· Wesley Arius Â· Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury Â· Catholic Pope Coptic Pope Â· Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box: In mainstream Christianity, the... The Gospel of Matthew (literally, according to Matthew; Greek, ÎšÎ±Ï„Î¬ ÎœÎ±Î¸Î¸Î±Î¯Î¿Î½ or ÎšÎ±Ï„Î¬ ÎœÎ±Ï„Î¸Î±Î¯Î¿Î½, Kata Maththaion or Kata Matthaion) is a synoptic gospel in the New Testament, one of four canonical gospels. ... The Gospel of Luke (literally, according to Luke; Greek, ÎšÎ±Ï„Î¬ Î›Î¿Ï…ÎºÎ±Î½, Kata Loukan) is a synoptic Gospel, and the third and longest of the four canonical Gospels of the New Testament. ... In the synoptic gospels, Jesus is baptised by John the Baptist. ... Nuptial is the adjective of wedding. It is used for example in zoology to denote plumage, coloration, behavior, etc related to or occurring in the mating season. ... Pacifism is the opposition to war or violence as a means of settling disputes or gaining advantage. ... This early political cartoon by Ben Franklin was originally written for the French and Indian War, but was later recycled during the Revolutionary War An editorial cartoon, also known as a political cartoon, is an illustration or comic strip containing a political or social message. ... The five Olympic rings were designed in 1913, adopted in 1914 and debuted at the Games at Antwerp, 1920. ... Old book bindings at the Merton College library. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas US Government Portal Politics of the United States takes place in a framework of a presidential... War Hawk is a term originally used to describe a member of the House of Representatives of the Twelfth Congress of the United States (usually from the south & southwest) who advocated going to war against Great Britain in the War of 1812. ... Homing pigeon The homing pigeon is a variety of domesticated Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) that has been selectively bred to be able to find its way home over extremely long distances. ... Pigeons have played an important role in wars for a long time. ... Cher Ami (French for Dear Friend [male]) was a famous homing pigeon who was owned and flown by the U.S. Army Signal Corps in France during World War I. He helped save the Lost Battalion of the 77th Division in the battle of the Argonne, October 1918. ... The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of both Belgium and France which was first created in 1915. ... The Smithsonian Institution Building or Castle on the National Mall serves as the Institutions headquarters. ... G.I. Joe (March 24, 1943 in Algiers - June 3, 1961 in Detroit) is possibly one of the most famous pigeons in world history, serving much of its life in the United States Army Pigeon Service as one of over 54,000 pigeons in the force. ... The Dickin Medal was instituted in 1943 by Maria Dickin to honour the work of animals in war. ... Tactical Communications Wing (TCW) is a unit of the Royal Air Force which provides communications facilities to deployed units. ... â€œRAFâ€ redirects here. ...

Spread of disease

Though feral pigeons are often associated with the threat of disease, this is actually a fairly recent idea. Pigeons have been associated with a variety of diseases, including histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis.

In addition, pigeons do not spread West Nile Virus; though they can contract it, they do not appear to be able to transmit it. In fact, they are no longer monitored as an indication of the presence of the virus in the area (as crows still are). Pigeons are also at potential risk for carrying and spreading avian flu.[3] [4] West Nile virus (WNV) is a virus of the family Flaviviridae; part of the Japanese encephalitis (JE) antigenic complex of viruses, it is found in both tropical and temperate regions. ... For other uses, see Crow (disambiguation). ... For the H5N1 subtype generating the concern see H5N1. ...

Certainly pigeons, like any other wild animal, carry some risk of disease. They are known, in particular, to be susceptible to salmonellosis, tuberculosis, and ornithosis (None of these have been proven to be transmitted from pigeons to humans, however). It is wise, therefore, to use precautions when handling them. Wild, in zoology or botany, is a rough if problematic antonym to domesticated: see wildlife. ... Salmonellosis is an infection with Salmonella bacteria. ... Tuberculosis (abbreviated as TB for tubercle bacillus or TuBerculosis) is a common and deadly infectious disease caused by mycobacteria, mainly Mycobacterium tuberculosis. ... In medicine (pulmonology), psittacosis -- also known as parrot disease, parrot fever, and ornithosis -- is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycoplasma psittaci and contracted from parrots, macaws, cockatiels, and parakeets. ...

Pigeon Lung

Pigeon breeders sometimes suffer from an ailment known as Pigeon Lung. A form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, Pigeon Lung is caused by the inhalation of the avian proteins found in feathers and dung. It can sometimes be combatted by wearing a filtered mask.[5] Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lung caused by the bodys immune reaction to small air-borne particles. ...

Population control

In the last few decades, people have begun to poison feral pigeons when their numbers become too large. This has proven to be fairly ineffective, however, as pigeons can breed very quickly (up to six times a year) and their numbers are determined by how much food is available; that is, they breed more often when more food is provided to them. When pigeons are poisoned, surviving birds do not leave the area. On the contrary, they are left with more food per bird than before. This attracts pigeons from outside areas as well as encouraging more breeding, and populations are re-established quickly.

A more effective tactic to reduce the number of feral pigeons is deprivation. ^[5]^[6] Cities around the world have discovered that not feeding their local birds results in a safe population decrease in only a few years. Pigeons, however, will still pick at garbage bags containing discarded food or at leftovers carelessly dropped on the ground.

Due to the huge population in California, an experimental project will use an animal contraceptive called "OvoControl P" in Hollywood. OvoControl P intereferes with egg development, and will be put in food in feeders. The venture has the support of animal rights groups.^[7] Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Largest metro area Greater Los Angeles Area Ranked 3rd - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 kmÂ²) - Width 250 miles (400 km) - Length 770 miles (1,240 km) - % water 4. ... Greetings from Hollywood Hollywood is a district of the city of Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., that extends from Vermont Avenue on the east to just beyond Laurel Canyon Boulevard above Sunset and Crescent Heights Boulevards on the west; the north to south boundary east of La Brea Avenue... In most birds and reptiles, an egg (Latin ovum) is the zygote, resulting from fertilization of the ovum. ... For the album by Moby, see Animal Rights (album). ...

References

Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 214th day of the year (215th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Contents

Habitat

Characteristics

Reproduction

Domestication

Feral pigeons in cities

Symbolism

Spread of disease

Pigeon Lung

Population control

References

Further reading

See also

External links

Contents

Habitat GA_googleFillSlot("encyclopedia_square");

Characteristics

Reproduction

Domestication

Feral pigeons in cities

Symbolism

Spread of disease

Pigeon Lung

Population control

References

Further reading

See also

External links

Habitat