Birds from a zoo and whether it is worth buying pigeons

Pigeons are birds that live alongside humans on virtually every continent. Even in ancient times, humans domesticated pigeons, and they roamed with them throughout the world.

This bird is considered a symbol of spiritual purity, as well as peace, love and fidelity.

Pigeon habitat

Pigeons live next to people, the urban environment is familiar to themBut even those who regularly feed them have little understanding of the key characteristics of these birds.

Many modern breeds of this bird are descended from rock pigeons. This breed is still quite common in the following regions:

• Europe;
• Africa;
• Asia.

In Eurasia, birds can be found even in high-mountain regions where the climate is cool.

The main condition for a pigeon's residence is the presence of people nearby or not too far away.

Birds inhabit such areas as:

• coastal cliffs;
• steep river banks;
• depressions in caves.

Birds often find food in human agricultural lands.

Key Features

There are several hundred breeds of pigeons domesticated by humans. Individuals vary in color and size, although the most recognizable are the ash-gray birds with green or purple highlights. White pigeons are traditionally used for shows and festive photo shoots.

There are a total of about 20 shades of plumage birds, and their number is not final. Males can be identified by their intense dark metallic coloration, while females are distinguished by a brighter, lighter hue. Young birds do not immediately acquire a bright color; the brightness accumulates as they mature.

The distinctive external features are as follows:

• Large individuals resemble chickens in size, while small ones resemble sparrows;
• maximum bird weight – 400 grams;
• large and strong wings with a wide span;
• Down and feathers often fall out and are not held firmly.

Large amounts of feathers and fluff can often be seen in areas where birds congregate. However, large amounts of droppings prompt people to scare away pigeons, not only by driving them away but also by poisoning them.

Many people really enjoy the sounds that birds make during courtship. Domestic birds are capable of producing the following sounds:

• humming;
• whistling;
• angry hiss;
• screams.

The range of bird voices is very rich and can change depending on the age, condition and period in which the pigeon is located.

Characteristics and lifestyle of pigeons

The pigeon is a harmless bird. However, in the wild, it is often hunted by predators such as:

• owl;
• owl;
• fox;
• raccoon;
• peregrine falcon.

In urban areas, dogs and cats often prey on birds. The following factors also pose a threat to pigeons:

• infectious diseases;
• rash actions of a person;
• sudden cold snaps.

Birds live in flocksIn warm regions, they lead a sedentary lifestyle, but during seasonal cold spells, they may migrate to a warmer region for the winter. Living together helps them survive; together, the pigeons find it easier to feed themselves and protect themselves from danger.

Wild birds are very shy and dangerous, but they have excellent hearing and eyesight. In the city, they often become less vigilant and may accept food from human hands.

In the wild, pigeons nest near bodies of water in rocky areas with minimal vegetation, and in urban areas, they often nest under roofs. They even roost in trees if food is nearby.

Flight of Doves

Many urban pigeons are accustomed to spending long periods of time wandering along roads or squares. It's easy to scare these birds; when startled, they take flight and fly away.

In the old days, pigeons were often used as postmen, because they can fly at high speeds. up to 180 kilometers per hour and can cover distances of up to 1,000 kilometers during the day. They have a good memory, so they know where to return. Flight altitudes can reach 3,000 meters, but above this altitude, the air is thinner, making flight difficult.

The flight of pigeons is a very interesting phenomenon: when they need to slow down, they open their tails like a butterfly and hover in place.

If threatened by a predator, the bird folds its wings and flies at 80 kilometers per hour, plummeting downwards. The wings connect at the top, helping it perform a circular motion.

Birds control their flight using their tail, which functions as a rudder.

What do pigeons eat?

The basis of pigeon nutrition is the following products:

• berries;
• grains;
• fruit fruits.

Their beak is hard and pointed., is well adapted for pecking. However, pigeons aren't too keen on insects. Solid bird food needs to be softened, and pigeons also love large quantities of water.

The beak is completely immersed in the water, and the bird sucks the water in like a straw. Other bird species drink differently: they fill their beak with water, lift their head, and then the water goes down their throat.

Pigeons love to eat a lot. They can search for food 24 hours a day within a 50-kilometer radius of their habitat. They can be easily trained with food and accustomed to a particular location.

Animals have few taste buds, so they're not particularly picky about their food. If food is scattered, they choose larger pieces, sometimes snatching them from other birds.

Reproduction and lifespan of pigeons

Pairs of birds can remain faithful to each other throughout life and touchingly care for each other:

• clean each other's feathers;
• are always together;
• they touch their beaks as if they were kissing each other;
• incubate eggs together;
• They feed the chicks with a crop mixture until it is time to feed them with plant seeds.

The nesting season for birds can last from March to October. It is postponed 2 eggs in nests, which are being built in such places:

• under the roof;
• in the recesses of brickwork;
• attic nooks and crannies;
• other places that resemble natural crevices.

The nest is flat. Birds build it using materials such as:

• fluff;
• leaves;
• blades of grass;
• branches.

The dwelling can be used for a long time if it is not destroyed by predators.

The chicks are helpless and barely covered with down, They become independent within a month and try to fly out of their nest. After six months, the chicks mature and independently search for a mate.

In the wild, birds live from 3 to 5 years, and in captivity, provided they are looked after and fed properly, they can live up to 15 years or more.

Birds purchased at the pet market are easy to care for, but before acquiring a pet bird, you need to know its habits and eating habits.