Pigeon Facts: Everything You Never Knew You Needed to Know About These Misunderstood Birds

Pigeons have been alongside humans for thousands of years, but despite all that history, pigeons get a seriously bad rap. Let’s break down some fun (and surprising) facts about these feathered city dwellers and bust a few myths along the way.

Are Doves and Pigeons the Same?

Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: The words “dove” and “pigeon” are often used interchangeably. They’re both part of the Columbidae family. Generally, “dove” refers to the smaller, often white varieties, and “pigeon” to the larger, chunkier birds—but it’s more about cultural perception than science.

So yes, the white doves released at weddings? Scientifically, still a pigeon. (Also, please stop releasing them—more on that later.)

Types of Pigeons

There are more than 300 species of pigeons and doves around the world. Here are a few notable ones:

• Rock pigeon (Columba livia): The classic city bird. They’ve adapted beautifully to urban life.
• Victoria crowned pigeon: Bright blue with a fancy feather crown. Native to New Guinea and seriously stunning.
• Passenger pigeon: Tragically extinct. Once the most numerous bird in North America, their population plummeted due to hunting and habitat loss.
• Nicobar pigeon: The closest living relative to the extinct dodo. Metallic green and iridescent.
• Mourning dove: Common in North America and known for their gentle cooing and slim bodies.

Did you know? The pigeons we see in cities today (aka rock doves) were originally bred from wild birds for food and companionship—they shouldn’t be exploited for either, and they’ve adapted to urban living.

How Long Do Pigeons Live?

The pigeon’s lifespan varies widely depending on their environment.

• Wild pigeons in urban areas typically live three to five years, due to threats like cars, predators, and human interference.
• Pigeons in sanctuaries can live up to 15 years or more with proper care, a safe space, and regular vet visits.

So yes, pigeons are in it for the long haul—especially if we protect them.

Are Carrier Pigeons Extinct?

Not at all! While passenger pigeons are extinct (again: thanks to humans), carrier pigeons—aka homing pigeons—still exist, and they still have their navigational superpowers.

Humans used pigeons to carry messages for centuries, including during World War I and II. Their ability to find their way home from hundreds of miles away is still baffling to scientists.

Today, racing pigeons and homing breeds still exist, though pigeon racing is increasingly recognized as unethical and cruel—especially when it comes to how birds are treated.

Pigeon Colors

Pigeons come in a rainbow of colors, from the classic gray-and-iridescent green to all-white, brown, black, or even speckled. These color variations are especially noticeable in domestic pigeons, which have been bred for aesthetics for centuries.

That shimmering neck plumage on your average city pigeon? That’s called iridescence, and it’s part of what makes these birds so striking when you actually stop to look.

What’s a Rock Bird?

If you’ve heard the term “rock bird,” it’s likely referring to the rock pigeon (Columba livia)—the wild ancestor of most domestic pigeons today. They originally lived on cliffs and rocky coastlines, which is why they’ve adapted so well to city buildings and bridges. Those concrete ledges? They’re just modern-day cliffs.

Wait… “Game Pigeon”?

Okay, this one’s for the iPhone crowd. Game Pigeon is actually not a bird—it’s a mobile app that lets you play games like 8-ball and Battleship through iMessage. No feathers involved.

Please Don’t Release Pigeons at Ceremonies—Here’s Why

We get it—there’s something symbolic and cinematic about releasing white pigeons (often called “doves”) at weddings, funerals, or other big moments, but what many people don’t realize is that most of these birds are domesticated pigeons who have no survival skills in the wild.

These birds are often bred purely for looks. Once released, they frequently become lost, injured, or starve to death, because they don’t know how to find food or shelter. Others fall prey to predators or get hit by cars trying to find their way home—if “home” even exists for them.

The release may last just a few seconds, but the suffering can last the rest of their short lives.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to celebrate or honor someone, consider cruelty-free alternatives: symbolic donations to wildlife sanctuaries, planting trees, or even a virtual “release” through art or digital storytelling.

Pigeons Are Being Stolen from NYC Streets—And It Needs to Stop

In New York City, pigeons are being illegally captured from parks and sidewalks, only to be shipped across state lines and used as live targets in cruel shooting contests. Despite local laws designed to protect these birds from being taken off the streets, poachers continue to trap them, condemning them to certain death.

World Animal Protection US has joined forces with Voters For Animal Rights, Pigeon for Miles Avian Sanctuary, and Mother Pigeon Brooklyn to call out the businesses in Brooklyn that are allegedly supporting this abuse. Together, we’re raising public awareness and pushing for enforcement of the laws that New Yorkers fought so hard to pass—because no bird should be stolen from their home and forced to suffer for sport.

Final Thoughts: Pigeons Deserve Better

Pigeons are resilient, brilliant, and historically significant animals who’ve done more for humans than we’ve ever done for them. Whether it’s recognizing themselves in mirrors (a rare feat in the animal kingdom), navigating with the Earth’s magnetic field, or being fiercely loyal to their mates, pigeons deserve more respect—and a lot more compassion.

So next time you see one bobbing along a sidewalk? Give them a moment of admiration. They’ve earned it.

Want to help pigeons? Support sanctuaries, educate your community, and never release white doves at events—they often don’t survive in the wild.