Pigeons are more specifically known as Rock Dove or Rock Pigeon. They are a very common pest around the world with an estimated population of 120 million. Originating in Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Centuries of domestication have greatly altered the rock dove. Feral pigeons, which have escaped domestication throughout
Pigeons are more specifically known as Rock Dove or Rock Pigeon. They are a very common pest around the world with an estimated population of 120 million. Originating in Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Centuries of domestication have greatly altered the rock dove. Feral pigeons, which have escaped domestication throughout history, have significant variations of plumage. The wild type may be on the verge of extinction or already extinct. It has a dark bluish-grey head, neck, and chest with glossy yellowish, greenish, and reddish-purple iridescence along its neck and wing feathers. The adult female is almost identical in outward appearance to the male, but the iridescence on her neck is less intense and more restricted to the rear and sides. Young birds show little luster and are duller. When disturbed, a pigeon within a flock will take off with a noisy clapping sound that cues for other pigeons to take flight. The noise of the take-off increases the faster a pigeon beats its wings, thus advertising the magnitude of a perceived threat to its flock mates. Contact with pigeon droppings pose a risk of contracting histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis. Long term exposure can induce an allergy known as bird fancier's lung. Pigeons may carry and spread avian influenza. Lastly, pigeons are also known to host avian mites, which can infest human habitation and bite humans, a condition known as gamasoidosis.
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