Pigeon

Columba livia

Pigeons are domesticated and feral forms of the rock dove, Columba livia, a cliff-nesting species that adapted readily to buildings, bridges, barns, and city ledges. Domestic pigeons have been selected for homing ability, racing performance, tumbling flight, ornamental feathering, color, voice, and utility traits, creating an enormous range of breeds from sleek racers to heavily feathered show birds. Feral city pigeons are the same species, shaped by urban survival rather than formal selection.

People keep pigeons in lofts for racing, exhibition, breeding, meat production, education, and companionship. Practical care includes predator-proof housing, dry ventilation, clean grain and grit, bathing water, and enough space for pair bonding and flight. Breeders use leg bands, pedigrees, and performance records to manage families, while rescues often handle injured racers, unreleasable feral birds, or abandoned fancy breeds. Good stewardship also means preventing unwanted releases, since domestic birds may not survive well and can add pressure to urban pigeon populations.