Columba Livia classification characters

Columba livia: Pigeon

Classification of Columba Livia Pigeon

Classification: Chordata

Group: Craniata

Sub phylum: Vertibrata

Division: Gnathostomata

Super class: Tetrapoda

Class: Aves

Sub class: Neornithes

Super order: Neognathe

Order: Columbiformes

Genus: Columba

Species: livia: Pigeon

Columba Livia 

Geographical distribution 

The above pigeon is commonly found in India, the forested zone of the Pacific coast, and the United States. Eocene to Recent.

Habit and habitat

Columba livia is the most common and familiar bird around man, nesting in buildings, old houses, warehouses, sheds, and railway stations. Their flight is swift and strong.

Breeding continues throughout the year.

Columba Livia Pigeon labeled the diagram

Comments on Columba Livia Pigeon

(1) Commonly called blue-rock pigeon and Jangli Kabutar in Hindi.

(2) The body is divisible into the head, neck, back and breast, and abdomen. 

(3). Plumage is grey with glistening metallic green and purple on the breast and neck.

(4) The head contains large eyes and slit-like nostrils. It is produced into a short and slender bill or beak. Upper and lower beaks are covered by the horny sheath, called rhamphotheca. At the base of the upper beaks, there is a patch of skin called cere.

(5) Beak adapted for seed-eating.

(6) Eyes are large, and rounded, with a well-developed nictitating membrane and a rounded pupil. 

(7) Forelimbs are modified into wings that contain skeleton flight feathers called remiges. Feet are covered with epidermal scutes formed by the fusion of several reptilian epidermal scales.

(8) Hind limbs are modified for bipedal locomotion. Tarsus is usually shorter than the toes. Wing feathers, and tail feathers, are present. Other structures seen are the neck, breast, abdomen, and black bars on the wings.

(9) Eggs white and unmarked.

Special features

 Pigeons are the most common domesticated birds, which were in olden times used as messengers. They are also eaten by man. Their call notes are very familiar to man as gootr goon, gootr-goon. Pigeons serve as an excellent example of artificial selection in Darwin's theory of evolution as various varieties have been produced by man. Crop large, producing pigeon milk to feed small young.

 Identification

Since this bird has slaty grey plumage and above features, hence it is Columba livia or Pigeon.

Let's solve some FAQs

1. What is the scientific name of the pigeon discussed in the article?

Answer: Columba livia is the scientific name of the pigeon.

2. How did pigeons adapt to the urban environment?

Answer: Pegions adapted urban lifestyles like food, shelter, human activities, etc.

3. What is the carrying capacity of pigeons?

Answer:  Pigeons have the ability to return to their homes on long-distance flights.

4. How have pigeons served humans historically?

Answer: Pigeons served as delivering messages career during World War I and II.

5. What is the primary diet of pigeons?

Answer: Pigeons are primarily granivorous, they eat seeds and grains.

6. What social behaviors do pigeons display?

Answer: Pigeons form strong pair bonds between them, engage in elaborate courtship displays, and nest in large groups to provide protection and share information.

7. Why are pigeons sometimes considered pests in urban environments?

Pigeons are often considered pests because of their droppings, which can be deposited on buildings, cars, and statues, and have trouble with natives.

8. How do human activities contribute to the spread of pigeon populations?

Answer: Abundant food waste, people's caring towards birds and suitable roosting sites in cities have contributed to the proliferation of pigeon populations.

9. What are some of the ways that cities have adopted pigeons?

Answer: Some cities have adopted pigeon lofts and designated areas where enthusiasts can care for and breed pigeons in their conservation areas. Pigeon racing and pigeon hopping have also become popular hobbies and games.

10. What is the importance of understanding and appreciating pigeons in an urban environment?

Answer: By understanding and appreciating the ecological role of pigeons, we can co-exist with pigeons in urban environments and give them the respect they deserve.

Referring page

• Practical Zoology Vertebrate by S.S.Lal.
• Picture on https://www.learningsays.com/