5 types of URBAN PIGEONS

Urban Pigeons

Hello! Have you ever stopped to wonder why pigeons are so common in our cities, especially in Brazilian cities? In this video, we'll explore five species of pigeons that inhabit urban areas in Brazil. Get ready to uncover the secrets behind the presence of these birds and how they have adapted so well to the urban environment!

In cities around the world, it's hard not to notice the presence of pigeons, which have become an integral part of the urban landscape. In Brazil, various species of these birds make urban areas their home, adapting impressively to the environments built by humans. Get to know some of the main pigeon species that inhabit our cities:

Rock Pigeon (Columba livia):

Rock Pigeon - Columba livia

Perhaps the most common of all, the Rock Pigeon is easily recognizable by its gray-blue tone and the white patch on its neck. Originating from Eurasia, it was brought to Brazil by European colonizers and has since found in Brazilian cities a favorable environment to thrive.

Picazuro Pigeon (Patagioenas picazuro):

Picazuro Pigeon - Patagioenas picazuro

Common in urban and rural areas, the Picazuro Pigeon, also known in Brazil as "asa-branca" (white-winged), is larger in size compared to the Rock Pigeon. Its plumage is grayish, with dark wings and a white patch on the neck. It is known for its characteristic vocalization, emitting a hoarse and melodious sound.

Scaled Dove (Zenaida auriculata):

Scaled Dove - Zenaida auriculata

Also known as "avoante" in Brazil, it is one of the most sighted species in urban centers. Its name derives from the habit of flying in large flocks, especially during the migration period. It has a brown-grayish coloration, with white patches on the neck and wings. It is often seen in squares, parks, and landscaped areas in search of food.

Scaled Pigeon (Patagioenas araucana):

Scaled Pigeon - Patagioenas araucana

Although less common in densely populated urban areas, the Scaled Pigeon, also known as the Chilean Pigeon, is spotted in parks and wooded areas of some Brazilian cities. Its plumage is darker, with shades of green and gray, and is recognized by the white collar on its neck.

Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti):

Ruddy Ground-Dove - Columbina talpacoti

The Columbina talpacoti, popularly known as "rola-de-bando" or "rolinha" in Brazil, is a species of dove commonly found in urban centers. Present in most of the Brazilian territory, this dove is easily recognizable by its unique characteristics and striking behaviors. It has a predominantly brown color, with lighter tones on the belly and face. Its chest has a more pinkish tone, standing out among the feathers. One of the most striking features of this species is the presence of a white patch on the wing, which becomes visible during flight. Its compact size and short tail are adaptations that facilitate its movement among trees and shrubs, where it usually takes shelter.

Urban Pigeons:

Urban pigeons have developed adaptive feeding and reproductive habits that make them successful in urban environments.

They have a varied diet, including seeds, grains, fruits, leftovers from human food, and even small insects. They are often seen foraging in parks, squares, and urban areas in search of food. Their ability to find food from a variety of sources contributes to their survival in urban environments, where food availability can be irregular.

The reproductive period of urban pigeons usually coincides with the warmer months of the year. They build simple nests in protected places, such as building eaves, rooftops, trees, and even urban structures like poles. Females usually lay two eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about two weeks.

São Paulo - Brazil

During the breeding period, urban pigeons exhibit specific behaviors, such as courtship between male and female, involving plumage display, vocalizations, and ritual movements. After mating, both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks. Urban pigeons have a relatively high reproductive rate, which contributes to the increase of their populations in urban areas.

Despite their ability to adapt to urban environments, pigeons face challenges, such as predation by birds of prey and other urban predators, as well as diseases and pollution. However, their ability to reproduce rapidly and find food from a variety of sources contributes to their survival in cities.

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Despite being often considered urban pests due to their ability to reproduce rapidly and the dirt they can cause, pigeons play an important role in the urban ecosystem. They help in seed dispersal and contribute to pest control, such as insects. However, their overpopulation can result in public health problems due to the transmission of diseases and damage to structures caused by feces and nests. It is essential to seek a balance to ensure a healthy coexistence between pigeons and urban inhabitants.

Urban Pigeons

Pigeons are masters of adaptation and evolution, especially in urban environments. Originally inhabitants of natural environments, they have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adjust to the challenges presented by cities. Over time, these birds have developed physical and behavioral characteristics that help them thrive amidst urban hustle and bustle. Their broad and strong wings allow them to fly between buildings and urban structures, while their diverse feeding habits allow them to find food in environments modified by humans. In addition, their rapid and efficient reproduction ensures a constant presence in cities. However, this adaptation does not come without consequences.

We hope you have learned more about Brazilian urban pigeons and their importance to the urban ecosystem. If you enjoyed the content, don't forget to like and subscribe to the channel for more videos like this!

Pigeons are true urban survivors, adapting skillfully to the conditions imposed by the human-built environment. Getting to know them and understanding their presence in cities helps us appreciate the complexity of urban wildlife and find ways to coexist harmoniously with these birds so common in our daily lives.