Columba

Native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, members of the Columba genus are found in forests, farmlands, cliffs, and urban environments around the world. While often overlooked due to their common appearance, Columba pigeons are remarkably adaptable, highly social, and play important ecological roles.

Rock pigeons are perhaps the most famous members of the genus, especially because they’ve been domesticated for thousands of years. These birds have contributed to everything from messenger pigeon history to the development of hundreds of fancy breeds. The wild form of the rock pigeon, with its bluish-gray plumage, iridescent neck feathers, and distinct black wing bars, still exists in coastal and rocky regions, but its domesticated descendants have gone feral in cities around the world, forming the familiar flocks seen in parks, town squares, and urban rooftops.

One fascinating feature of Columba pigeons is their navigation ability. Rock pigeons, in particular, have an incredible homing instinct, able to find their way back to their nest from hundreds of kilometers away. Scientists believe they use a combination of the sun, Earth’s magnetic field, visual landmarks, and even scent to navigate. This trait made them invaluable during wartime as message carriers long before the age of wireless communication.

Columba pigeons are also known for their unique feeding behavior. Unlike most birds, both male and female parents produce a nutrient-rich substance called “pigeon milk” in their crops, which they regurgitate to feed their young. This milk is packed with protein and fat, giving hatchlings a strong start in life. It’s a rare adaptation in the bird world and highlights the strong parental care pigeons provide.