More Common Types of Pigeons

In the previous article we have talked about two of the most common types of pigeons. Understandably, there are still other common types of pigeons that were not discussed. We will now be discussing the other species of pigeons in this article. These other types of pigeons are however, less common but they still comprise a big population of the general number of pigeon species in the world. In other words, they are among of those that you most commonly see perching on rooftops or roosting in certain man made establishments. Some of the species are not endemic to US but originated in the European areas. But then they are somehow transferred and were eventually bred into domestication in the area. Here are some of the other species of pigeons that you have to know of.

The Collared Dove

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The collared dove's scientific name is Streptopelia Decaocto. They were once native to Britain until 1952. However, in the later years sometime around 1955, they somehow migrated and nested in Norfolk. Now their population extends as far as from Britain to Ireland. And now they are most commonly seen inhabiting the shorelines and boat ports.

Collared doves are not that big of a pigeon species. They are usually medium sized to small and would usually come sandy colors from their head and neck. However in their lower parts in their belly and breasts, they are somewhat paler and a hint of pinkish buff. The reason why they are called collared doves is because of the presence of a collar shaped print on them. The collar band actually extends around their nape area but is cut short that it doesn't reach the front neck area. The collar band is usually colored black and or white and takes a somewhat crescent like shape. However, the younger ones typically don't have this distinctive marking. At flight this collar crescents are quite conspicuous along with stripes of terminal bands.

Biology

Size: Usually 11 inches in length or 28cm from wing to wing span

Habitat: they are commonly found in farmlands in the Britain and Ireland areas. They are also quite prevalent in the urban territories such as parks.

Nesting: They normally build flat shaped nests in trees when in the wild and as well as in buildings.

Eggs: White colored and usually lays two eggs per clutch. Their season of laying eggs are sometime around March to September.

Food: Mainly on grain vegetations, but they are also found to have fruit diets, especially berries.

Hatch time: A normal egg would usually hatch within 11 days.

The Turtle Dove

Streptopelia Turtur or turtle doves are known for their deep purring "tur tur" sounds and we can usually hear this sometime around April to September. These doves usually travel quite a distance during these months as they would originate from the tropics of Africa to Britain. Turtle doves are typically small species of pigeons and they are actually considered to be the smallest resident doves in Britain. They breed mostly in the areas of the South and midlands, but they are sometimes found breeding as well in Scotland and Ireland. However, those instances are quite rare. Usually they breed in these areas in passing and that they then immediately relocate to their destinations down south.

The pigeon's plumage is usually chestnut in color and on their back are black scallop markings. They have pinkish colored underparts, head, rump and flanks but sometimes they are noticed to be grey, with a little accent of black and white stripes stretching around the sides of their necks. Their tails are wedged and black in color, with a strong white color borders at the tip which are quite noticeable during their flight. Their legs are conspicuously red.

Biology

Size: usually about 10.5 to 11 inches in length slightly smaller than the collar pigeons.

Habitat: Turtle doves are most common in the southern and eastern parts of Britain and are only usually found in forest areas and cultivated land. However, there are instances that they can be found perching park trees and residential gardens.

Nesting: they are quite messy in building their nests often out of twigs and are situated high above the tree.

Eggs: typically lays 2 white colored eggs during the months of May and July.

Food: Their main diet is based on seeds and weeds but special diets are inclusive of Chickweed and Charlock and grass.

Hatch time: Usually takes 14 days before they hatch.

Ring Dove

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Ring doves and wood pigeons are basically the same species of pigeons and they happen to be the most prevalent species of pigeons in Britain. They also pester farmlands and therefore making them the bane of every farmer in the area.

Shooting campaigns to reduce these species of doves have been going on all throughout the year but have never really ever succeeded in reducing their population. It is said that during autumn culls, wood pigeons are still able to survive despite the limited food supplies during such season and thus have increased their numbers dramatically.

Wood pigeons are actually known for their soft cooing voice which gives any listener the soothing and sleepy ambience and feelings. These coos often take place around spring and summer time. The typical color of these pigeons is grey but lighter in the frontal areas up to its neck. Their tails however are densely black in color. They do have a distinctive tint of reddish tinge in their breast areas. The primary distinctive marks of a wooden pigeon is the white mark present in the neck area and a somewhat large white colored bar on their wings. These marks are quite visible during their flight.

Biology

Size: Are actually the largest of all pigeon species spanning from 15 to 16 inches or about 41 cm.

Habitat: Originally in the woods and forest areas but have evolved to adapt in highly urbanized environment which they are also very common.

Nesting: Flat nests and are usually found in shrubs and trees.