LATIN NAME

Columba fasciata

HISTORY AT CURIODYSSEY

One hatched in 2005 and came to us from Pacific Wild Care in San Luis Obispo after crashing into a window. Due to flight limitations, he was deemed non-releasable.  The second pigeon was hatched in 2018 and was donated from Wild Care in San Rafael and is imprinted on humans. It arrived in 2019. Both live in the Walk-through aviary.

FUN FACTS ABOUT PIGEONS

Pigeons and doves also produce food for their young that is unique from other types of birds. “Pigeon’s Milk” is a milky substance produced in the bird’s crop (food-storage pouch which is the first stage in the bird’s digestive tract). During the first few weeks of the nestling’s life, the parents’ crops produce a thick, milky substance made of protein and fat. Gradually, the parents add solid foods, softened by the milk, until their young are ready for solids.

WHAT DO PIGEONS EAT?

In the wild, pigeon's diet includes nuts, seeds, berries, blossoms and insects; in the fall they gorge on acorns. At CuriOdyssey, they are served mealworms, pigeon seed.

HOW LONG DO PIGEONS LIVE?

In the Wild: 4-8 years.
In Captivity: up to 15 years.

WHERE DO PIGEONS LIVE?

Band tailed pigeons can be found in coniferous forests along the northwestern Pacific coast, oak woodlands in southern part of range. They range from southern British Columbia to Baja California in and near coastal forests and hills. In mountain chains from Utah and Colorado through Mexico to Central America.

ARE BAND-TAILED PIGEONS ENDANGERED?

No special wildlife conservation status.