Nature Profile
by Bob Thomas

On a worldwide basis, Rock Doves (Columba livia) are the most obvious birds living in urban centers. They seem to be everywhere - on window sills, roof tops, and, of course, on statues.

The Rock Dove (we call them pigeons) we are familiar with, such as those that are so common in Jackson Square, is the result of many years of selective breeding by humans for one purpose or another. The earliest record by humans of the species is culinary comments on an Egyptian tomb dated 5000 years before present. One breed, the so-called “carrier pigeon,” has a long association with humans. Rameses II used them 3200 years ago to announce that he was the new Pharoh. The Sultan Baghdad established the first postal service in 1150 A.D. using carrier pigeons. The practice became very popular and the Crusaders used falcons to intercept messages sent among the Saracens.

The invasion of the Americas by Rock Doves began with the colonists. Once escaped, they spread quickly, primarily because of little competition and, for birds, a relatively high reproductive rate. Pairs mate for live and produce about five clutches of two eggs each per year. These offspring become productive the following year. It’s not difficult to understand how large populations can develop and sustain themselves.

The principal problem arising from Rock Doves is their ever-present excrement. In Paris, it has been found to be one meter deep on some ledges and when was the last time you saw an unblotched Andrew Jackson? Certain infectious diseases have been associated with their feces, especially skin fungi. The excrement is so abundant in our cities that it is estimated that an average person in New York City inhales three micrograms (a tiny amount, to be sure) of fecal dust every day! A yukky thought, isn’t it?

If these urban inhabitants bother you, just be thankful you don’t live in certain tropical towns where the abundant roof top dwellers are black vultures!