Rock pigeon

Pigeons nest on ledges on buildings and bridges, the modern stand-in for the sea cliffs their wild ancestors used. Both parents feed their young "crop milk", a rich secretion from the lining of the throat.

Rock pigeons have lived with people for thousands of years. Their homing ability — navigating by the sun, the Earth's magnetic field and landmarks — carried messages in wartime and has taught scientists much of what is known about how birds find their way. In cities they are a main food of peregrine falcons.

Nest — A loose platform of twigs on a ledge
Eggs — Usually two
Incubation — About 17 to 19 days, shared by both parents
Nestlings — Fed crop milk; leave the nest at about 25 to 32 days
Broods — Several a year
Lifespan — A few years in cities

• Rock pigeons are not native and are not protected like native birds, but they still suffer — string and thread tangled around their toes is a common injury.
• Spikes and netting on ledges trap and injure birds when badly fitted.
• A young pigeon on the ground is often simply a fledgling; nestling pigeons are rarely seen because nests are high.

• Pigeons are dirty and diseased. Healthy pigeons pose little risk to people; ordinary hygiene is enough.
• Baby pigeons are never seen. They stay in the nest until almost adult size, so they look grown when they first appear.

• Eurasian collared-dove
• Mourning dove