Feral pigeons are among the most familiar and abundant birds in the world, urban creatures living in close association with humans yet possessing the characteristics of highly adapted wild birds. However, they are seldom studied, even though the domesticated pigeon has long been one of the major bird models for laboratory research. This definitive monograph focuses on the population, biology, and behavioral ecology of feral pigeons, including a thorough listing of primary references of U.S. and European scholarly literature. Professional and amateur ornithologists, pigeon breeders, and students will find this an invaluable and fascinating study of a species that has evolved from familiar breeds of domesticated birds.
PART I: History and Systematic Biology 1. Introduction 2. Size, Shape, and Genetic Variation in Pigeon Populations PART II: Reproductive Biology and Diet 3. Breeding Seasons in Feral Pigeons 4. Mate Choice and Pair Bonding 5. Nestsites and Nestbuilding 6. Eggs 7. Incubation and Hatching 8. Brood Reduction 9. Development: Nestlings 10. Development: Fledglings 11. Diet PART III: Plumage and Flight 12. Plumage Polymorphism 13. Maintenance and Molt of Plumage 14. Flight PART IV: Behavior 15. Social Behavior 16. Pigeon Colonies 17. Orientation and Navigation PART V: Population Studies 18. Reproductive Success and Mortality 19. Abundance and Density PART VI: Some Environmental Concerns 20. Heavy Metals and Other Pollutants 21. Aspects of the Biotic Environment 22. Control of the Pigeon Populations PART VII: People and Pigeons
This is a detailed account of feral pigeon history and systematic biology, reproduction and diet, plumage and flight, behavior, population studies, selected environmental concerns, and the relationship of people with pigeolҬ
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