Pigeons are a ubiquitous sight in North American cities, often seen strutting through parks and congregating on building ledges. Their constant presence might lead many to assume these birds are indigenous to the continent. However, these common urban birds were introduced by humans, not native to North America.
The True Origin of North American Pigeons
The pigeons commonly seen in North American cities are feral Rock Doves (Columba livia), an introduced species. The ancestral wild Rock Dove originates from a vast range spanning Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, including the Middle East and South Asia. These birds naturally inhabit coastal cliffs, rocky outcrops, and mountainous regions, where they find suitable ledges for roosting and nesting. Their preference for such environments allowed them to adapt successfully to human-built structures that mimic these natural settings.
How Pigeons Arrived in North America
The presence of Rock Doves in North America dates back to the early 17th century, introduced by European settlers. Historical accounts indicate they were brought over as early as 1606 to places like Port Royal, Nova Scotia, or to the Plymouth and Jamestown settlements. These birds were initially imported for several practical purposes, including as a food source, for racing, and for their ability to carry messages.
Many domesticated pigeons escaped captivity or were intentionally released, forming wild populations. Their adaptability, coupled with urban structures resembling their ancestral cliff habitats, allowed them to thrive. City buildings, with their ledges and crevices, provided ideal nesting and roosting sites, enabling the establishment of the widespread feral populations seen today.
North America’s Native Dove and Pigeon Species
While the Rock Dove is an introduced species, North America is home to several native dove and pigeon species. One of the most widespread is the Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), recognizable by its slender body, long pointed tail, and soft cooing sound. Mourning Doves occupy diverse open and semi-open habitats, including farmlands, grasslands, and suburban areas, often foraging on the ground for seeds.
Another native species is the Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata), found predominantly in the forests and oak woodlands of western North America. This larger pigeon is characterized by a distinctive white crescent on its neck and a pale band on its tail. Band-tailed Pigeons are often nomadic, moving to areas where food sources like acorns and berries are abundant.
Historically, North America was also home to the Passenger Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius), once the most abundant bird on the continent with populations estimated in the billions. This species, native to the deciduous forests of eastern North America, was tragically driven to extinction by the early 20th century due to extensive hunting and habitat destruction.