Family: Columbidae •Order: Columbiformes •Dove: smaller ○ Pigeon: larger ○ Pigeonsvs doves:no scientific taxonomic basis fordistinguishing •Squabs:youngdoves/pigeons •Strongflight ability ○ Worldwide distribution •Shadesof gray and brown, tovery colorful •Fruits, seeds, or fresh green leaves •Drink water by suckingup in one continuous draft •Diet Flimsynestsmade of twigs/vegetative material •Foundin trees, onledges, or in groundborrows •Monogamouspairfor breeding season/life •Lay 1-2 eggs •Altricial chicks •Nests Controlled by hormoneprolactin •Milk is producedin thecrop and/or esophagus •More nutritiousthan human/cow ○ Greater fat/protein ○ Highly nutritious •Not a secretedsolution •MilkProduction 305 species of extant pigeons •20%consideredthreatened •9 critically endangered•Current State of PigeonSpeciesWorldwide C10 Pigeons Sunday, July 12, 20152:31 PM
