Pigeon

Columba livia

The common pigeon, also known as the Rock Dove, is best known for its high presence in cities. Despite being found pretty much everywhere in the U.S., they are native to Eurasia and northern Africa. They prefer to nest in high cliffs, so skyscrapers provide a good man-made imitation of that landscape. These birds are generally dark gray in color with a blue tint while their wings are a light gray. Their neck and wing feathers show iridescence, where the feathers are shiny and show different colors depending on how the light hits them. They also have dark bands across each wing and the tail. Their beak is black and they have a small white patch like a moustache right above it. Their average weight is about three quarters of a pound and tend to grow to about a foot in length.

They find strength in numbers, even in cities, while they roosting, sunning, or feeding. When they walk, their heads bob back and forth. These birds are very good at adapting to their environment by finding makeshift nests and food that is similar to what they would eat naturally, even in urban environments.