Key Takeaways

• Pigeons have a wide distribution and can be found in almost every region except for the driest places on Earth.
• The rock dove, also known as the common pigeon, has the largest range among pigeon species, spanning from Britain and Ireland to northern Africa, across Europe, and up into China and Mongolia.
• Pigeons are known to migrate, although the extent and patterns of migration can vary among species.
• The passenger pigeon, an extinct pigeon species, had a large natural range that spanned from central Ontario and Quebec, Canada, to the uplands of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia in the United States.
• Pigeon populations can be influenced by various factors, including commercial exploitation, loss of habitat, and inbreeding with feral or domestic birds.

Pigeon Distribution and Habitat

Pigeons are distributed nearly worldwide, with the exception of the driest places like Antarctica and the high Arctic. They are most commonly found in Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa regions. Pigeons have adapted to a wide range of habitats, including urban environments, forests, grasslands, and coastal areas.

The rock dove, also known as the common pigeon (Columba livia), has the largest natural distribution among pigeon species. It can be found across Europe, Arabia, Central Asia, India, the Himalayas, China, and Mongolia. This adaptable species has been able to colonize diverse environments, from city buildings to cliffs and open shrubs.

Other pigeon species also have specific habitat preferences. For example, the band-tailed pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata) is primarily found in North America, inhabiting coniferous forests and wooded areas. The crested pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes) is endemic to Australia and prefers open woodlands and grasslands.

Pigeon Migrations

Migrations among pigeon species can vary in range and pattern. Some pigeons are known to be partial migrants, where only certain individuals or populations undertake migratory journeys, while others are sedentary, staying in one area throughout the year.

The passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius), an extinct species, was known for its large-scale migrations. Its range extended from central Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia in Canada, to the uplands of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia in the United States. These birds would travel long distances in vast flocks, often numbering in the millions.

Other pigeon species, such as the rock dove, may display shorter distance migrations or no migrations at all. These migrations can be influenced by factors such as food availability, weather conditions, and breeding habits.

Pigeon Populations

Pigeon populations vary widely depending on the species and region. Wild rock dove populations are threatened by inbreeding with feral or domestic birds. Some ornithologists believe that there may be few, if any, true rock dove populations remaining.

Feral or domestic pigeons, on the other hand, are abundant in urban areas and can reach high population densities. In some cities, feral pigeon populations have become a concern due to their impact on infrastructure, public health, and competition with native bird species.

It’s estimated that there are between 260 and 400 million pigeons worldwide, with the majority being feral or domestic birds. However, exact population numbers can be challenging to determine due to the adaptability of pigeons and the difficulty of surveying their diverse habitats.

The extinction of the passenger pigeon serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that pigeon populations can face. The massive commercial exploitation of passenger pigeons for their meat, combined with loss of habitat, led to their rapid decline and eventual extinction in the early 20th century.

In Conclusion

Pigeons have a wide distribution, with species found in almost every part of the world. They exhibit diverse migration patterns, with some species undertaking long-distance migrations while others remain sedentary. Understanding pigeon migrations and population distribution is important for conservation efforts and monitoring their impact on ecosystems. It also highlights the need for responsible management of feral pigeon populations in urban environments.