Domestic pigeon

Presentation

The Domestic pigeon is a bird resulting from the domestication of the wild rock pigeon, carried out several millennia ago. Selected by man for various qualities (meat, eggs, transport capacities), it exists today in countless varieties of colors and morphologies.

Medium-sized bird with a stocky body, dense plumage and very variable colors depending on the breed (slate blue, white, black, red, piebald). The head is small with a slightly domed skull, bright eyes, and often a fleshy wattle around the eye.

Characteristics

BREEDS

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

The Domestic pigeon adapts to many environments: farms, meadows, urban and peri-urban areas where it finds pigeons and buildings in which to nest. Less demanding than its wild ancestor, it readily colonizes cities and human structures (roofs, ledges, bridges).

Behaviour

A very social bird, the Domestic pigeon lives in groups and establishes complex hierarchies. It is often active at dawn and dusk, pecking in flocks, and communicating with characteristic coos. An excellent sailboat, it also has a remarkable ability to return to the loft (homing).

Reproduction

Domestic pigeon can breed all year round, peaking in spring. Couples are generally monogamous and stay together for several years. They build a basic nest where the female lays 2 eggs, and both parents incubate for 18 to 19 days. The young are fed “pigeon milk” (secretions from the crop) then seeds.

Peculiarities

The Domestic pigeon has a remarkable magnetic orientation capacity allowing it to find its loft over considerable distances. It is also capable of recognizing its reflection and distinguishing up to 50 images per second. Historically, it has been used as a messenger of war and peace for millennia.

Threats and conservation

The Domestic pigeon is not threatened with extinction. In urban areas, its populations can become overabundant, causing damage to structures and health problems. In certain contexts, it can compete with wild species.

References

Profile updated 27 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.