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The rock dove, commonly known
as the pigeon, was brought to America to continue Old World customs.
They were raised both for the table and for sport. Over the
years many escaped. Pigeons found the city environment quite
suitable, and have become so numerous that they have become pests in
many places.
Just about every city and town has its
flocks of feral (gone wild)
pigeons.
Because of the breeding efforts of
pigeon fanciers, feral pigeons have
a wide variety of color patterns. This photo shows a small sample
their variation. Most people enjoy feeding the birds once in a
while. But some insist on feeding many every day.
This blue bar
pattern is close to that of the wild rock doves of
Europe and Asia.
Those who delight in large flocks of urban pigeons don't
have to
live with this mess outside their front doors.
[Taxonomy :
Classification]
[Birds] [ Back Yard Biology]
[ Science
Can Be Fun]