Origin of the Name 'Pigeon'

The name 'pigeon' is thought to derive from the flapping sound made when they take off. Additionally, the Kanji character for pigeon, 鳩, consists of the parts '九' (nine) and '鳥' (bird). There's a theory that '九' comes from the cooing sound 'coo-coo' that pigeons make.

Why Do Pigeons Live There?

The pigeons commonly seen in Japan are the feral pigeon and the wood pigeon. The rock pigeon, the ancestor of the feral pigeon, was originally kept as a domestic bird in many homes but originally nested on high rocky ledges surrounded on three sides. The feral pigeon, a wild form of the rock pigeon, inhabits all over Japan and makes nests in places like buildings, bridges, and balconies where they are sheltered from rain.

The wood pigeon is distributed throughout Japan, but their numbers decrease in Hokkaido and northern Honshu during winter, being considered summer birds in Hokkaido. They inhabit urban areas, parks, and bright forests in mountains, nesting in buildings such as station buildings or trees, creating plate-shaped nests from twigs, though they also nest on man-made structures in urban areas.

What Do Pigeons Eat?

Pigeons eat seeds of plants, grains, legumes, as well as sweets and bread crumbs found on the ground, and even stones. Surprised about the stones? Many birds, not just pigeons, eat stones and sand. These stones and sand are used to help digest their food.

Birds have two types of stomachs: the 'proventriculus' or 'glandular stomach' and the 'gizzard' or 'muscular stomach'. The proventriculus breaks down the food with acidic digestive fluids similar to a human stomach. The gizzard, also called the sand liver, grinds the food that has been swallowed whole with the stones and sand that have been ingested. Even the ancestors of birds, the dinosaurs, had stones in their stomachs.

How Do Pigeons Raise Their Chicks?

Pigeons typically lay two eggs and incubate them for 14 to 21 days. The chicks hatch and fledge within 25 to 40 days. Generally, even herbivorous birds feed their chicks animal protein like insects, but pigeon chicks are fed with a high-protein 'pigeon milk'.

This 'pigeon milk' is produced in a part of both male and female parent birds called the crop. Pigeon milk is similar to protein used by athletes and is very nutritious, so there's no need for insects! For the first few days after hatching, only pigeon milk is given, and gradually, as the chicks grow, softer food is also mixed in.

Why Do Pigeons Bob Their Heads When Walking?

There are several theories about why pigeons bob their heads when walking, but the main theory is that they are not bobbing their heads but rather keeping their heads still. This is necessary because their eyes are positioned on the sides of their head, and the scenery would appear to flow by. This is similar to looking out the window of a moving train.

Because it is difficult to see when the landscape flows by, they stick their heads out first and pull their bodies forward while keeping their head movements still. This fixes the position of the eyes for a moment, making the scenery appear stationary. There are also theories that this helps them walk stably.

Do Pigeons Have Two Names in English, and What's the Difference?

In English, pigeons are called both 'dove' and 'pigeon'. There is no clear definition of the difference, but 'dove' is perceived as a 'clean pigeon' that is kept by people, while 'pigeon' is associated with the 'dirty pigeons' found in parks and stations. 'Dove' also signifies a white pigeon that symbolizes peace.

Why Is the White Pigeon a Symbol of Peace?

Pigeons have long been depicted as bearers of good news in literature. In the Old Testament story of Noah's Ark, a pigeon carrying an olive leaf signaled the end of the flood.

In Greek mythology, the pigeon was a beloved bird of the goddess Aphrodite, and in Judaism, it was considered ritually pure and offered to God. In Christianity, the white pigeon symbolizes the Holy Spirit.

The image of the pigeon as a symbol of peace spread globally after Picasso created a poster for the 'First World Peace Congress', which depicted a pigeon flying with an olive leaf.

How Can Carrier Pigeons Find Their Way Home from Far Away Without Getting Lost?

Pigeons have the ability to return to their nests from distances of 1000 to 2000 kilometers, and this ability has been utilized for centuries, with pigeons serving as carrier pigeons delivering newspapers, news, and confidential military documents.

So, how can pigeons find their way back to their nest without a map or navigation? There are several theories, but the most plausible is the 'magnetic compass theory' which suggests that pigeons use the Earth's magnetic field to determine direction. However, the exact mechanism is still not fully understood.

How Fast Can Pigeons Fly?

Ordinary feral pigeons fly at speeds of 30 to 50 kilometers per hour, but racing pigeons, bred for speed, can fly at an average speed of 71 kilometers per hour and reach top speeds of 157 kilometers per hour. There are also racing pigeons that have flown 1400 kilometers!

How Is a Pigeon Race Conducted?

Pigeon racing, which utilizes the homing instinct of pigeons and has been turned into a competitive sport, is held annually with many competitions. The competitions range from 100 to 1000 kilometers, and pigeons are tagged on their legs, released from a designated point, and their time is measured until they return to their nest, the finish line.

How Do Pigeons Call?

Feral pigeons coo with a 'croo-coo' or 'goroppo-goroppo' sound, while wood pigeons make a rhythmic 'deddey poppo' sound.

Why Are Pigeons Disliked?

Pigeons reproduce prolifically, entering the breeding season about half a year after birth, and breed almost all year round except for the hottest summer months, capable of laying eggs up to 7-8 times a year. Pigeons, with their strong reproductive ability, take up residence in parks, stations, home balconies, and parts of buildings, causing issues with droppings and noise, leading to their classification as nuisance birds.

Are There Any Beautifully Colored Pigeons?

Yes, there are many beautifully colored pigeons living around the world. I'll introduce them with photos!

In the jungles of Southeast Asia to Oceania, there are some very beautiful pigeons. The reasons for their colorful appearance are varied, but it is thought that due to the abundant fruits available as food and the ability to hide among tree branches and leaves, reducing predation risks, they have evolved to fully focus on attracting mates, resulting in colorful bodies.

Are There Any Beautifully Colored Pigeons? Nicobar Pigeon

Are There Any Beautifully Colored Pigeons? Victoria Crowned Pigeon

* Improved Pigeon, a breed developed by humans for ornamental purposes, will surprise you with its elaborate design.

Are There Any Beautifully Colored Pigeons? Frillback Pigeon

Are There Any Beautifully Colored Pigeons? Jacobin Pigeon

Are There Any Beautifully Colored Pigeons? Peacock Pigeon