General Overview
The Columbidae family includes pigeons and doves, a widespread and diverse group of birds with over 300 species found on every continent except Antarctica. They are best known for their distinctive cooing calls, strong flight, and remarkable homing ability in some species. Pigeons and doves have long been associated with human culture, serving as symbols of peace, love, and devotion, as well as important domesticated and feral species in cities worldwide.
Appearance
Columbids are medium-sized birds with compact bodies, small heads, and short legs. Their wings are broad and powerful, adapted for swift, direct flight. Plumage varies greatly among species, ranging from the soft grays and browns of common pigeons to the iridescent greens, purples, and elaborate patterns of tropical doves. Bills are short and slender, often with a fleshy cere at the base. Sexual dimorphism is usually subtle, with males and females looking alike, though males may be slightly larger.
Diet
Most pigeons and doves are primarily granivorous and frugivorous, feeding on seeds, grains, fruits, and berries. Some species also consume small invertebrates. Their digestive system is adapted for processing hard seeds, and they play a keyrole in seed dispersal in many ecosystems. Adults produce a unique substance called “pigeon milk,” a nutrient-rich secretion from the crop, which they feed to their young during the early stages of development.
Habitat
Columbids inhabit a wide range of environments, from forests, woodlands, and grasslands to deserts and urban areas. Many species thrive in close association with humans, particularly rock pigeons, which have become a global urban presence. Others are more specialized, living in remote tropical forests or islands. Nesting usually occurs in trees, cliffs, or man-made structures, where they build simple platforms of sticks.
Behavior
Pigeons and doves are generally social birds, often seen in pairs or flocks. They are strong fliers, capable of long-distance travel, and some species are migratory. Courtship involves bowing displays, cooing songs, and aerial displays by males. They are monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds, and both parents share duties of incubating eggs and feeding chicks. Many species are highly adaptable, allowing them to thrive in both natural and heavily modified landscapes.
