The common sight of a pigeon often leads to the question of its origin: the ubiquitous city pigeon is not native to North America. These familiar birds belong to the Columbidae family, which includes all doves. The species commonly encountered across the continent is an introduced species, brought over centuries ago by early European settlers. The history of the city pigeon is entirely intertwined with human migration and domestication.
The Identity of the Common City Pigeon
The bird known colloquially as the city pigeon is scientifically identified as the Feral Pigeon, which is the domesticated form of the Rock Dove, Columba livia. Its true ancestral home is not the Americas, but rather a vast range stretching across Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The wild Rock Dove naturally inhabits rocky cliffs and coastal areas, a preference that influenced the species’ success in the New World.
The diverse colors seen in urban flocks—from the classic blue-gray to birds that are nearly all white, black, or mottled—are a direct result of their long history of domestication. Humans first began domesticating the Rock Dove approximately 5,000 years ago in the Middle East. The birds seen today in North America are descendants of these captive-bred populations that have since escaped and established independent populations.
How the Rock Dove Became Established
The Rock Dove was intentionally brought to the New World by European colonists beginning in the early 17th century. Historical records indicate the first known introduction occurred as early as 1606 by the French in Port Royal, Nova Scotia, and later in colonial settlements like Jamestown and Plymouth. The primary reason for importing the birds was as a sustainable food source, as they were easily raised as livestock in coops. They were also valued for their remarkable homing abilities, utilized for message delivery.
The transition from controlled domestic populations to widespread feral populations happened when individuals inevitably escaped from these coops. These escaped birds quickly multiplied and spread across the continent. Their ability to breed multiple times per year and utilize human settlements for both food and shelter allowed them to establish a permanent presence. Today, the distribution of the Feral Pigeon extends from southern Alaska down to the tip of South America.
True Native Pigeons and Doves
While the city pigeon is an import, North America is home to many indigenous species of the Columbidae family. The most familiar native species is the Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), a slender, tan-colored bird recognized by its long, pointed tail and distinctive call. It is a widespread and abundant bird found in suburban, rural, and open areas throughout the lower 48 states.
Other Native Species
Another prominent native is the Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata), a larger bird found in forested mountain ranges and woodlands of western North America. This species is distinguished by a white crescent on its nape and a broad band across its tail. Other native species have more restricted ranges, such as the White-crowned Pigeon, which is limited to parts of southern Florida.
The Passenger Pigeon
The continent also holds the tragic history of the Passenger Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius). This native species was once arguably the most abundant bird in the world, known for massive flocks that darkened the skies. It was hunted to extinction by the early 20th century, creating an ecological void.
Urban Adaptation and Ecological Impact
The Rock Dove’s success is largely due to its remarkable pre-adaptation to urban structures. In their native habitat, wild Rock Doves nest and roost on sheltered cliff ledges and in caves. Modern city architecture—with its skyscrapers, bridges, and window ledges—perfectly mimics these ancestral rocky environments, providing ample nesting sites. The birds also thrive on the abundant, year-round food supply provided by human activity, including discarded food scraps and intentional feeding.
This reliance on human resources allows them to reach high densities in city centers, but their presence is not without ecological consequences, as they are considered an invasive species. Feral Pigeons can compete with native bird species for limited nesting resources, particularly for cavities and sheltered ledges. They are also known to harbor various pathogens. Despite their non-native origin, they have become an established part of the urban food web, serving as a significant prey item for urban-dwelling birds of prey, such as Peregrine Falcons.