| Many people
have disdain for pigeons. "Flying rats," some say. These people probably
don't realize that pigeons are a parrot's closest avian relatives. If you
like parrots, you should like pigeons.
Here are some
traits that parrots and pigeons have in common:
1. They mate
for life
2. They have
powder down in their feathers
3. Both produce
crop milk to feed their babies
4. Both have
a fleshy cere covering their nostrils
Furthermore,
there is no taxonomic or biological distinction between pigeons and doves.
And everybody likes doves!
For the record,
there are over 250 species of pigeons worldwide. Of these, only 3 species
have been domesticated:
1. Rock dove
2. Ringneck
dove
3. Diamond
Dove
The Rock Dove
was domesticated 2,000 - 3,000 years ago in Europe and has been the foundation
of the 200 breeds of domestic pigeons that are available. These 200 breeds
are broken down even further into an infinite number of color varieties.
Domestic breeds
are broken down into 3 groups:
1. Homing or
Carrier pigeons
2. Tumbling
pigeons
3. Fancy or
Exhibition pigeons
Pigeons Throughout
History
"In 1150, the
Sultan of Baghdad introduced a pigeon postal service that functioned until
about 1258."
--Matthew
M. Vriends, "Pigeons"
"Although the speed
the pigeons fly varies, the birds usually average 50 mph."
--"The
Tampa Tribune"
"Scientists always
suspected that homing pigeons had an organ that was able to detect magnetic
fields."
--"Boston
Herald"
Pigeons use an
internal compass that allows the birds to orient themselves using the Earth's
magnetic poles.
--"Boston
Herald"
"During the siege
of Paris in 1870-1871, pigeons were used, as well as in both World Wars."
--Matthew
M. Vriends, "Pigeons"
"During World War
II at least 32 pigeons received the 1943-inaugurated Dickin Medal for brave
service."
--Matthew
M. Vriends, "Pigeons"
"At the turn of
the century, the U.S. Navy built pigeon stations at every base."
--"Boston
Herald"
|
