Columba livia                                                     Photo Claire Sunquist ©

Usually referred to as a pigeon, the rock pigeon or rock dove has been domesticated for five thousand years. The species includes the domestic pigeon, feral pigeon and fancy pigeon.

Pigeons are found in cities and parks all over the world, and the species was introduced to North America from Europe in the 1600’s. Pigeons nest on ledges, windowsills, under bridges and on ledges, and they gather in flocks in parks and other places where humans feed them. At night, they roost together on ledges or buildings.

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